MY EXPO WEST EXPERIENCE QUICK RECAP

My 2014 Expo West experience was an over-the-top, amazing, magical, and exhausting experience – just like it was last year. However, this year, I adjusted my game plan and started taking interviews and planning a month in advance of the Expo in order to get the skinny on all the newest products before the event and schedule my time with my most-valued gluten-free partners. I was literally running at times between booths to get to the over 2,500 exhibitors (around 2,600 exhibitors with 67K attendees) and I still missed too many to name. There were so many new product launches that will blow the socks off of my gluten-free friends that it was a difficult to choose top products in each category.

To see a list of all the exhibitors visit this site http://www.expowest.com/ew14/public/exhibitors.aspx?ID=1050233

Top Gluten-Free Treats & Sweets 

Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Nut Frozen Dessert

For a recently-turned-dairy-free girl, I’m really sick of almond and coconut ice cream. It just tastes fake and has SO many ingredients that are so unnecessary – even from “natural” brands on the marketplace. I miss frozen yogurt SO much and it’s just not worth the stomachache to get what I really crave. So when I saw that Mr. Dewies was launching a cashew frozen dessert, I was very interested and started salivating days before the expo. The minimal ingredients and flavors are amazing – and that pint of coffee flavor I tried would be gone in one sitting for sure. I want to marry this dessert. It also doesn’t hurt that the owners/founders of Mr. Dewie’s are two amazing brothers with a mission. These guys need to make it big time, because 1) I believe in them and 2) I need this on a freezer case near me immediately. Positive thoughts that they get distribution everywhere ASAP!

Cappello’s Gluten Free Vegan Paleo Cookie Dough

While I love my Eat Pasty gluten-free vegan cookie dough – some dislike the garbanzo bean flour taste. Looks like there’s another option on the market with Cappello’s. While I’ve been seeing this online for awhile, I haven’t had a chance to order it yet (or try it). It’s just as amazing as people say it is. I love Cappello’s. If you haven’t had their grain-free (not vegan, sorry) frozen pasta – you’re missing out. Support these guys – they deserve it!

Pascha Chocolate – Now With Organic Arabica Coffee

You know how much I like Pascha chocolate bars, and you know how much I love coffee – so it shouldn’t surprise you that I love the two of them together. In fact, Pascha launched a whole line of new products at Expo West, including some chocolate morsels! Remember – Pascha is an allergen-free company, so this product is vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, etc. We love them!

 

The Piping Gourmet Vegan Mint Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Uh, yeah. Amazing whoopie pies. They’re gluten-free and vegan. Apparently I’m coming late to the party on these, but they’re pretty damn amazing. Thank you, The Piping Gourmet!

NadaMoo Vanilla Chai Frozen Dessert

After NadaMoo courted me via social media to try their product, I finally gave in. Wait, who am I kidding – do I ever need to be coaxed into trying a dairy-free frozen dessert? NO. NadaMoo was one of the products available in the press room and I took DOWN this sample size of their new vanilla chai flavor. I will certainly be purchasing this coconut-milk-based ice cream in the future! It’s certified gluten-free and found in a freezer near you!

Sante Cinnamon Pecans

When approached by their PR contact, I was hesitant to put nuts on my list of “must-visit vendors.” While the nuts and seasonings are inherently gluten-free, the cool allergen info about this is that they’re made in a peanut-free facility! This is great news for peanut-free people looking for other nuts! While I was initially excited for the cardamom cashews, I found that the cinnamon pecans were my favorite – reminiscent of the nuts that you can buy from street vendors during street fairs or at the Renaissance Festival. These are amazing. I just placed my order for three bags – come quick!

Natural Decadence Vegan Gluten Free S’mores Kit

While I didn’t get a chance to try this yet (and my GFF Sarah got a package to take home), this looks awesome – and I love the idea of a kit! This company is amazing: great products, a great story – all the things you want from a gluten-free company. Cool ladies – SUPPORT THEM!

Seriously awesome products on the marketplace for new gluten-free (and often dairy-free/vegan) treats! Just because we’re gluten-free doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice stuff that tastes awesome!

ENTER TO WIN A GLUTEN-FREE EXPO WEST SWAG BAG PRIZE:

Enter to win 1 (one) of the EXPO WEST SWAG BAG PACKAGES – US RESIDENTS ONLY.

WINNERS WILL BE PICKED RANDOMLY:

3 Winners will be picked randomly (via Rafflecopter) based on valid entries.

HOW IT WORKS:

Each person can be entered into this contest 6 TIMES via Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tagged: celiac, celiac disease, expo west, Expo West 2014, gluten free, natural products expo west