Five new vegan products to look forward to in 2023

Expo West is an annual industry-only trade show for natural and organic products. Between March 7-11, the Anaheim Convention Center was abuzz with tens of thousands of attendees from all sides of the natural product world. Industry giants to brand new startups clamor to exhibit their latest and most popular products to retailers, distributors, manufacturers and the press. As a vegan content creator, I attended the event searching for the most exciting plant-based products. This meant trying many free samples and talking with natural product industry leaders. Here is a list of the top five vegan products at Expo West 2023.

1. Konscious Foods Sushi

This Canada-based company dished out plant-based onigiri and California rolls filled with both faux fish and veggies. The sushi company has yet to launch in the United States, but keep your eyes peeled for these vacuum-sealed sushi rolls.

2. Canned Chamberlain Coffee

Social media star Emma Chamberlain’s coffee company has already captured the hearts of caffeine-obsessed Gen Z, but these new canned lattes will bring the obsession to the next level. Can we request they carry these in Seeds next year?

3. Oatly Oat Whip

When Oatly launched in the U.S. in 2016, no one had ever heard of oat milk, but eight years later, their products dominated the plant milk category. The company has since expanded into yogurt, ice cream and whipped cream. There is no sign of when this product is coming to market, but I am hoping it catches on in Los Angeles coffee shops so I can level up my hot chocolate order.

4. Avafina’s Chiaviar

Chia pudding, step aside; Avafina Organic’s Chiaviar is here! This chia, seaweed and lemon blend makes a spread reminiscent of caviar. This product has not hit most store shelves, but the ingredients are straightforward, so this may be an excellent DIY in your kitchen.

5. Elmhurst Sour Cream

Elmhurst is a dairy-turned-plant milk company known for its no-nonsense range of shelf-stable gum-free milk. They debuted their latest product: a shelf-stable vegan sour cream. Several other vegan sour creams are on the market, but the squeezy packaging sets Elmhurst apart.

The constraints of veganism demand innovation, and these companies are doing the work. Though my day-to-day diet consists mostly of veggies, grains and beans, these alternative products can mix things up for longtime vegans and entice those who are curious about the plant-based lifestyle.