Plant Based World Expo 2022: Innovative Brands to Watch

When the Plant Based World Expo first launched in 2019, Beyond Burger had just gone public and plant-based foods were still a novel concept to many consumers. It was also still challenging to find premium plant-based meat, seafood and dairy options at grocery stores and menus across the country. In only three years, the plant-based industry has witnessed major growth and innovation.

The plant-based industry is now valued at around $7 billion in the US according to data from The Good Food Institute. A diverse selection of plant-based foods can now be found in countless restaurants, major retailers and grocery stores across the US. While not yet completely mainstream, consumers can find plant-based dairy and meat alternatives next to their animal protein counterparts.

There is a wide selection of products already on store shelves, with many more waiting in the wings to entice and delight discerning customers. The Plant Based World Expo on September 8 and 9 at the Javits Center in New York, will offer hundreds of new and innovative plant-based products. Here are some of the products that will be showcased by more than 200 exhibitors at this year’s Plant Based World Expo.

1. Popadelics

Popadelics are shiitake mushrooms redesigned for the modern snacker that burst with flavor and pack an addictive crunch. Available in three mouth-watering flavors — Trippin’ Truffle Parm, Twisted Thai Chili, and Rad Rosemary + Salt – the crunchy snacks are vegan, non-GMO and a good source of protein and fiber.

2. Chlorophyll Water

Making its trade show debut at this year’s Plant Based World Expo, Chlorophyll Water claims to be the first bottled water in the US to pass and receive Clean Label Project Certification. It is a plant-powered purified mountain spring water enhanced with the addition of chlorophyll, a key ingredient and the distinct green pigment in plant life.

3. Dirt Kitchen Snacks

Dirt Kitchen Snacks offer minimally processed air-dried veggie and nut mixes and pressed bars. The veggie and nut mixes are made with easy-to-identify, recognizable ingredients and inspired by favorite veggie side dishes like Spicy Thai Noodle Salad and Green Bean Almondine. The brand’s snacks are also made with upcycled vegetables, which helps reduce food waste.

4. Mind Blown Plant Based Seafood Company

Mind Blown Plant Based Seafood Company is a family-owned, all-female company that offers plant-based shrimp, scallops and crab cakes. The company is on a mission to re-create the “complete seafood-lovers’ experience” without the sacrifice using only a handful of healthy plant-based ingredients while offering the ocean relief from overfishing.

5. Sundial Foods

Sundial Foods offers clean-label whole cuts of plant-based meat. But unlike many of its counterparts, Sundial developed a technology that balances and layers starch, fiber and fat to recreate the complex structure of chicken. Its first product is a high protein chicken wing made with only eight ingredients. The wings are complete with crispy skin and even a plant-based “bone” for the full experience.

6. Aberyne

France-based startup Aberyne created a 100 percent plant-based alternative to foie gras, a dish emblematic of French cooking. In 2019, the company was selected to be part of the world’s first plant-based food business incubator, ProVeg, based in Berlin. With an appearance, taste and texture like traditional foie gras, this animal-free paté is made with cashews, miso, sesame puree and coconut oil.

Designed for foodservice and retail professionals, distributors, investors and manufacturers, the Plant Based World Expo is North America’s only 100 percent plant-based event. As the official tradeshow of the Plant Based Foods Association, the Plant Based World Expo is expected to host more than 4,500 attendees this year.