Each year, I attend Natural Product Expo West in Anaheim, California to explore the leading trends in the plant-based space, discover brands that are transforming new concepts into innovations, and connect with fellow enthusiasts of plant-based living and climate action. It never disappoints! The atmosphere is vibrant, the people are awesome, and there are plenty of new products to sample—it's a fantastic opportunity to immerse in everything natural, organic, and plant-based within one massive convention center.
Brands that promote products made with plant-based ingredients already offer consumers something that benefits their health and the planet just by being plant-based.
However, the brands that truly capture my attention are those that go above and beyond in curating plant-based ingredients.
In this article, we'll examine which labels surpass plant-based standards by prioritizing both your health and the planet's well-being, and we'll feature five brands that maintain high standards for human and environmental health, doing right by people and the planet.
Certifications That Hold Food Brands to High Standards
When brands display certifications on their food labels, they are not solely showcasing their achievements. Brands use food labeling certifications to show adherence to certain standards, providing consumers with assurance regarding elements such as organic production, fair trade practices, or animal welfare. These certifications are frequently validated by third-party organizations and can be valuable, giving consumers confidence that the product they're buying is healthier, more environmentally friendly, and better for animal welfare. Here are some certifications I look for when searching for a well-rounded brand.
Non-GMO
A product bearing the "Non-GMO Project Verified" seal has been through an independent verification process to confirm it adheres to the Non-GMO Project's criteria for avoiding GMOs. This seal helps consumers make informed decisions about their food purchases and reflects a company's dedication to transparency and a non-GMO food system. A GMO, or genetically modified organism, is any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. While non-GMO verified foods won't contain GMOs, they may still contain synthetic pesticides if they're not certified organic.
Organic Certification
Having previously owned an organic chocolate company, I fully grasp the challenges involved in obtaining organic certification for a product. Firstly, it can be costly. Additionally, it demands a thorough understanding of every ingredient and the farmers who cultivate them. At least 95% of the product's ingredients must be without synthetic chemicals and adhere to strict agricultural practices. Organic farming focuses on natural methods, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and biological pest control, while steering clear of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. The organic label signifies that a food or agricultural product has been produced according to the USDA organic standards, which mandate the use of practices that recycle resources, conserve biodiversity, and maintain ecological balance.
Regenerative Organic Certification
A new certification known as Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) has been introduced, which "surpasses standard organic certification by emphasizing soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness for farmers and farmworkers, building on the USDA Certified Organic standard." ROC uses the USDA Certified Organic standard as a foundation and then introduces additional criteria and benchmarks that integrate the three pillars of regenerative organic agriculture: soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness for farmers and farmworkers. ROC seeks to establish a more sustainable and resilient food system that benefits the environment, animals, and people.
Fairtrade
Fairtrade signifies that a product is created under strict standards that encourage sustainable livelihoods, safe working environments, environmental conservation, and transparent supply chains, ensuring that farmers and workers are treated fairly and receive a fair price for their products. It assures that products are produced ethically and sustainably, upholding fair labor practices and environmental protection. Fair for Life is another certifying third party with similar processes to Fairtrade.
Certified B Corporation
A Certified B Corporation, or B Corp, is a profit-driven business accredited by B Lab, a non-profit entity, which showcases exemplary social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, leveraging business as a positive force. To achieve B Corp status, companies must pass a stringent certification process where B Lab evaluates their social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
7 Standout Expo West Brands That are Doing Right By People and the Planet
Clipper Teas
Clipper Teas, founded in 1984 in Dorset, UK, is renowned for its commitment to producing natural, fair, and delicious teas. As the world's largest and UK's first Fairtrade tea brand, Clipper supports over 114,000 producers and their families, ensuring ethical sourcing and high-quality products.
Sustainability and Health Values
Biodegradable and Plastic-Free Packaging: Clipper Teas uses biodegradable, plastic-free, and bleach-free tea bags.* Their pillow tea bags are compostable, and all packaging is fully recyclable.
Carbon-Neutral Operations: Their UK-based tea factory is carbon neutral, with 98% of factory waste being recycled. Even waste tea is repurposed to generate green energy, minimizing environmental impact.
Ethically Sourced Ingredients: Their teas are made with premium tea leaves and herbs, sourced from premium tea-growing regions worldwide, without artificial flavors or additives.
Clipper Tea offers a variety of organic teas with health benefits, including antioxidant protection, heart health, digestive relief, immune supporting, enhanced focus and mood, relaxation and better sleep, and detoxification.
*Some tea companies bleach their tea bags white for aesthetic reasons. Bleaching can lead to the formation of harmful byproducts, such as dioxin, a chemical associated with certain types of cancer and hormone imbalance. What's more, many tea bags contain plastic used to seal the bags and maintain their shape when steeped in hot water, and some bags are made entirely of plastic. As you probably know, plastic is harmful to health and can do exponentially more damage when it's heated. Clipper tea bags have always been unbleached and plastic-free!
Examples of Products Offered
Organic Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants, supporting brain health and mood while fighting inflammation.
Organic Lemon & Ginger Herbal Tea: Combines natural lemon and ginger, providing a refreshing flavor that may aid digestion.
Organic Chamomile & Lavender Herbal Tea (Snore & Peace): This comforting, caffeine-free blend of chamomile and lavender promotes relaxation and sound sleep.
Certifications
Fairtrade
Non-GMO Project Verified
Organic Certified
Certified B Corporation
Where to purchase
Sprouts
Albertsons
Many other retailers
Amazon
Wild West Chocolate
Wild West Chocolate is a woman-led, purpose-driven company that creates organic, no-sugar-added chocolates sweetened solely with fruit. They are committed to sustainability and donate a portion of profits to the River Management Society to protect North America's wild waters.
Sustainability and Health Values
Transparent Supply Chain: They maintain direct relationships with cacao growers, ensuring a transparent and ethical supply chain.
Plant-Based Products: By eliminating dairy, Wild West reduces environmental impact, aligning with sustainable practices.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: The company uses sustainable packaging, often from recycled materials, to minimize landfill contributions.
Environmental Partnerships: A portion of profits supports the River Management Society, aiding in the preservation of North America's rivers.
Natural Sweeteners: Wild West chocolates are sweetened solely with organic fruit, containing no added sugars, sugar alcohols, or substitutes.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Their chocolates are rich in cacao, providing antioxidants and essential minerals like magnesium, copper, and iron, which contribute to overall health.
Examples of Products Offered
Dark Horse: A 70% cacao dark chocolate bar that is rich in antioxidants, supporting cardiovascular and heart health.
Most Wanted: Combines 70% cacao dark chocolate with roasted almonds and sea salt, offering the benefits of dark chocolate alongside the protein and healthy fats found in almonds.
Grizzly: Features 50% cacao oat milk chocolate infused with raspberries and hazelnuts, providing a creamy texture with added fiber and nutrients from the fruit and nuts.
Certifications
Fairtrade
Organic Certified
Regenerative Organic Certified
Where to purchase
Sprouts
Many natural products stores (Check here for one by you!)
Online through Wild West Chocolate
Lotus Foods
Lotus Foods, co-founded in 1995 by Caryl Levine and Ken Lee, is a California-based company that imports handcrafted rice from small family farms to the United States. The company promotes regenerative rice farming practices that not only mitigate climate change but also empower women by improving their livelihoods and supporting their communities.
Sustainability and Health Values
Regenerative Agriculture Practices: Lotus Foods promotes the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), known as "More Crop Per Drop®," which enhances yields while conserving water and reducing methane emissions.
Fair Trade and Farmer Support: Collaborating with small family farmers worldwide, Lotus Foods ensures fair wages and improved livelihoods, fostering sustainable agriculture communities.
Biodiversity Preservation: By offering heirloom and organic rice varieties, Lotus Foods helps preserve rice biodiversity, contributing to ecological balance and resilience.
Organic and Non-GMO Products: Their commitment to organic farming ensures products free from synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organisms, promoting consumer health and environmental safety.
Nutrient-Rich Offerings: Lotus Foods' rice varieties are rich in essential nutrients and free from chemicals, providing consumers with healthier alternatives to conventional rice options.
Examples of Products Offered
Organic Millet & Brown Rice Ramen: This ramen provides 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional instant noodles.
Organic Brown Jasmine Rice: Brown rice's nutty flavor and nutrient-rich properties make it a standout for everyday meals.
Organic Forbidden Rice (Black Rice): This rice is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, supporting overall health.
Certifications
Fairtrade
Non-GMO Project Verified
Organic Certified
Regenerative Organic Certified
Where to Purchase
Whole Foods
Sprouts
Many other retailers
Online through Lotus Foods and Amazon
SIMPLi
SIMPLi is a woman-owned and minority-owned regenerative food company founded in 2020 by Sarela Herrada and Matt Cohen. The company specializes in ethically sourcing single-origin ingredients directly from farming communities worldwide, aiming to transform the food system into one that is equitable and regenerative.
Sustainability and Health Values
Regenerative Organic Farming: SIMPLi partners with small-scale, family-owned farms that practice regenerative organic agriculture.
Fair Trade and Transparent Supply Chains: By establishing direct relationships with farmers worldwide, SIMPLi ensures fair compensation and ethical practices.
Environmental Stewardship: The cultivation of SIMPLi's beans and grains utilizes methods that sequester carbon, conserve resources, and regenerate the land, contributing positively to the environment.
Examples of Products Offered
SIMPLi offers a variety of regenerative organic certified products, including:
Quinoa: A complete protein source rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Lupini Beans: High in protein and dietary fiber, these beans promote satiety and support gut health.
Black Beans: Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, they contribute to heart health and blood sugar regulation.
Certifications
Regenerative Organic Certified
Organic Certified
Fair for Life
Where to purchase
Whole Foods
Sprouts
Natural Markets (search for one by you!)
Online through SIMPLi
Mary's Gone Crackers
Mary's Gone Crackers is the OG of whole food, plant-based crackers, pioneering the organic, gluten-free, and seed-packed snack movement since 2004. Made with simple, nutrient-dense ingredients like whole grains and seeds, their crackers deliver delicious crunch while supporting a healthy and sustainable food system.
Sustainability and Health Values
Organic and Non-GMO: The products are certified organic, produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, and free from genetically engineered ingredients, promoting environmental health.
Sustainable Ingredient Sourcing: The company collaborates with organizations like the California Ricelands Waterbird Foundation to source rice and other ingredients sustainably, aiming to minimize their ecological footprint.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Made from organic whole grains like brown rice and quinoa, along with seeds such as flax, sesame, pumpkin, and sunflower, these crackers provide dietary fiber, protein, and healthy fats, contributing to overall health.
Free from Common Allergens: They are gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, and dairy-free, making them suitable for individuals with various dietary restrictions.
Examples of Products Offered
Original Crackers: Made from organic whole grain brown rice, quinoa, flax seeds, and sesame seeds, these crackers provide a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, supporting digestive health and sustained energy levels.
Super Seed Crackers: This variety incorporates additional seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, and poppy seeds, enhancing the nutrient profile with extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which may contribute to heart health and immune support.
Certifications
Non-GMO Project Verified
Organic Certified
Certified Kosher
Certified Gluten-Free
Where to purchase
Costco
Whole Foods
Sprouts
Amazon and through Mary's Gone Crackers website
Wise Bar
Wise Bar combines whole food ingredients, like dates, oats, almond butter, and orange juice powder, into a delicious, nutrient-dense bar, making it easy to enjoy real, organic foods on the go. I appreciate how they incorporate functional mushrooms and adaptogens like lion’s mane, reishi, and ashwagandha, offering brain-supporting benefits while keeping their ingredients simple, clean, and plant-based.
Sustainability and Health Values
Eco-Friendly Packaging: The company is committed to sustainable packaging solutions, striving for zero waste and exploring compostable options to minimize environmental impact.
Environmental Partnerships: Wise Bar collaborates with organizations like Trees for the Future, planting a tree for every box sold, thereby contributing to reforestation and ecological restoration efforts.
Organic and Whole Foods: Made with 100% organic ingredients, Wise Bars prioritize whole foods without artificial additives, aligning with mindful eating practices.
Functional Ingredients: Each bar contains 3,000 mg of functional mushrooms, such as lion's mane, reishi, and cordyceps, which are known to support cognitive function, immunity, and stress reduction.
Adaptogens: Inclusion of adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha aids in stress management and promotes overall well-being.
Examples of Products Offered
Mocha Coconut Adaptogen Mushroom Nutrition Bar: Combines organic ingredients like dates, almond butter, oats, coconut, cacao, and coffee, infused with functional mushrooms such as cordyceps and lion's mane, providing a delicious and nutritious snack that supports energy and cognitive function.
Peanut Banana Adaptogen Mushroom Nutrition Bar: Features organic dates, peanut butter, almond butter, cacao, peanuts, and bananas, enriched with lion's mane and reishi mushrooms, offering a tasty treat that may enhance focus and immunity.
Certifications
Non-GMO Project Verified
Certified Organic
Where to purchase
Kroger
Target
Amazon
Online through Wise Bar
Who Gives a Crap Toilet Paper
Who Gives A Crap isn’t a food brand, but I had to give them credit for their commitment to sustainability—they’re completely plastic-free, use FSC-certified packaging, and make their toilet paper from either bamboo (a fast-growing grass, not a tree) or recycled materials (no trees harm in the TP making process!). Plus, they donate 50% of their profits to clean water and sanitation nonprofits, making a real impact on global health and the environment.
Sustainability Values
Eco-Friendly Materials: Their toilet paper is made from 100% recycled paper or sustainably sourced bamboo, reducing deforestation and conserving natural resources.
Plastic-Free Packaging: Products are packaged without plastic, utilizing recyclable or compostable materials, minimizing environmental impact.
Carbon-Neutral Shipping: The company offsets carbon emissions from transportation, contributing to climate change mitigation.
B Corp Certification: As a certified B Corporation, Who Gives A Crap meets high social and environmental performance standards, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
Charitable Contributions: They donate 50% of profits to improve sanitation in developing countries, enhancing global health and well-being.
Certifications
Certified B Corporation
Forest Stewardship Council Certification: As of July 2023, the company achieved full FSC Chain-of-Custody certification, ensuring that their entire supply chain—from farm to warehouse—adheres to responsible forest management practices.
Where to purchase
Whole Foods
Amazon
Online through Who Gives a Crap
Vote for Health and the Planet With Your Dollar
Natural Products Expo West never fails to inspire, and this year was no exception. As plant-based products continue to evolve, it’s exciting to see brands raising the bar—not just by offering plant-based alternatives, but by prioritizing sustainability, ethical sourcing, and transparency in their supply chains. Certifications like Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified, Fairtrade, and B Corp provide valuable insights into a brand’s commitment to human health, planetary health, and animal welfare, helping consumers make informed choices.
The standout brands above are leading the way by creating high-quality, delicious, and responsibly made products. Whether it’s Clipper Teas’ fair trade commitment, Wild West Chocolate’s dedication to ethical cacao sourcing, or SIMPLi’s work in regenerative organic farming, these brands prove that business can be a force for good.
By supporting brands that go beyond just being plant-based and actively work to create a more sustainable and ethical food system, we can all contribute to a healthier planet and a more conscious way of consuming. Next time you’re at the grocery store, keep an eye out for these brands and the certifications that set them apart!