Are your ingredient choices working as hard as they could?
In this episode of Get the Scoop with Smirk’s, Elisa Louis and Zach Schwindt go beyond the booth at Expo West 2026 to break down the shift from “novelty” to “high-performance” functionality. Then, Garrett McBride joins for the April 2026 Market Report, providing a critical look at how global volatility is impacting ingredient availability and pricing.
At Expo West 2026, Elisa Louis and Zach Schwindt break down the ingredient and product trends shaping natural foods right now. From protein-fiber formulations and hydration innovation to dates, coconut water powder, mushrooms, sour flavors, and clean-label functionality, this episode explores how brands are creating products that deliver more without compromise.
Don’t miss the market report where Garrett McBride shares everything you need to know about expected product availability and pricing shifts.
Expo West 2026: Function Without Compromise
This year’s show saw over 80,000 attendees and 3,000 exhibitors focusing on one thing: intentionality. The “buzzword” era is over; brands are now stacking ingredients to achieve multiple outcomes in a single bite.
Key Trend Highlights:
- Fiber Maxing & Protein Stacking: Brands are moving beyond simple isolates. We’re seeing “fiber maxing”—stacking chia, flax, and psyllium—combined with proteins like pea, quinoa, and amaranth to enhance gut health and satiety.
- The Date Explosion: Dates are the new clean-label powerhouse, appearing in everything from stuffed nut-butter snacks to “date coffee” and even sour candies.
- Hydration 2.0: Electrolytes have leveled up. Coconut water powder and pink Himalayan salt are leading the charge in clean-label stick packs and ready-to-drink tropical blends.
- The Return of Real Meat: Savory innovation is booming with real meat sticks (chicken, turkey, and beef) using coconut aminos for umami flavor instead of soy allergens.
April 2026 Ingredient Market Report
The global landscape has shifted dramatically. Garrett McBride outlines how current events are creating a “scramble” for raw materials. It’s reminiscent of 2022, but with significantly lower domestic inventory.
Ingredient Market Snapshots:
- Sunflower Seeds: US markets are firm and trending up; while acreage is up 9%, it is primarily for oilseeds, leaving confectionery seeds down 8%.
- Pumpkin Seeds: China has implemented a 70% planting mandate for staple crops, which may limit specialty crops like pumpkin seeds. Turkey is emerging as a strong alternative origin.
- Coconuts: We are entering peak season with high yield expectations. Demand has softened in the USA, making it a good time to monitor the market for spot coverage.
- Cashews & Tree Nuts: Organic broken grades are very tight in the USA, with prices rising 20 cents/lb in the last two months.
Episode Chapters & Timestamps
- [00:01:10] Expo West by the numbers: 80,000+ attendees.
- [00:02:30] What is “Fiber Maxing”? Stacking seeds and grains for gut health.
- [00:06:11] The rise of coconut water powder in hydration products.
- [00:10:53] Why dates were the “everywhere” ingredient this year.
- [00:13:58] Innovation spotlight: Eco-friendly flat oat milk sheets.
- [00:18:52] The functional benefits of sour flavors for focus and alertness.
- [00:25:21] Market Report Start: The impact of global oil and fuel costs.
- [00:29:39] Critical updates on Chinese planting mandates for pumpkin seeds.
- [00:35:18] Grains Update: Amaranth and Quinoa shortages.
Get the Ingredients
Looking for specs, samples, or pricing guidance on the trends mentioned in today’s show? Whether you need Bulk Coconut Water Powder, Dates, or Organic Sunflower Seeds, our team is here to help you solve your complex supply chain needs.
Reach out to us at: whatsnew@smirks.com