2026 Natural Products Expo West: Trends That Defined the Show Floor

Walking the halls at Expo West this year, it was impossible not to notice how much the natural products industry is being reshaped by packaging. Yes, protein was everywhere, and yes, functional beverages continue to multiply—but the real story was how brands are using packaging to signal convenience, craftsmanship, and credibility in a crowded marketplace. For anyone in the packaging world, the show felt like a preview of where consumer packaged goods (CPG) are heading next.

Protein Takes Center Stage 

Protein wasn’t just a category this year—it was a presence. Everywhere you turned, brands were finding new ways to infuse protein into everyday foods, from popcorn and cereal to pretzels, candy, and even soda. One of the most surprising standouts was the rise of individually wrapped soft‑boiled and hard‑boiled eggs, sold in tidy 6‑ to 12‑count packs. The format made protein feel accessible and portable—something you could grab as easily as a granola bar. 

This surge reflects a broader consumer desire for functional foods that fit seamlessly into daily routines. Protein is no longer reserved for shakes and bars; it’s becoming a baseline expectation across categories. 

Functional Waters Expand Their Universe 

Hydration brands continued to push boundaries, and the category felt more diverse than ever. Protein water and fizzy functional waters were everywhere, but the most talked‑about newcomer was okra water (O’kra)—an unexpected entry that still managed to feel at home among plant‑forward wellness products. 

Brands like Moshi and Bobelo leaned into elevated, lifestyle‑driven positioning, signaling that hydration is now part of a broader self‑care ecosystem. Whether sparkling, fortified, or vegetable‑derived, these waters were designed to feel like small moments of enhancement throughout the day. 

Single‑Serve Formats Dominate 

If Expo West had a defining format, it was single‑serve. Meat sticks were the clearest example—Nick’s Sticks, Country Prime Meats, and Bavarian Meats all showcased individually flow‑wrapped sticks bundled into larger, multi‑count pouches. The approach supports convenience, portion control, and club‑store merchandising, but it also taps into consumer desires for small, repeatable experiences. 

This trend extended beyond snacks. Supplements, electrolyte blends, and vitamin mixes were overwhelmingly presented in stick‑pack formats. Lightweight, portable, and easy to sample, stick packs have become the go‑to format for wellness products that need to travel with the consumer. 

What This Means for Packaging Buyers 

It became clear that packaging is evolving into a kind of sensory shorthand for what consumers want most: convenience, clarity, and a feeling of authenticity. Single‑serve formats weren’t just everywhere—they were shaping how people interacted with products. An individually wrapped egg or meat stick wasn’t simply a portion; it was a moment of ease built into someone’s day. Stick packs created their own small rituals too, turning supplements and hydration mixes into quick, tactile experiences that fit naturally into busy routines. 

At the same time, the rise of curated, small‑batch aesthetics showed how much consumers crave packaging that feels crafted and intentional. Textured labels, muted palettes, and minimalist layouts signaled care and quality without relying on loud claims or glossy finishes. Even in categories driven by function—protein snacks, functional waters, wellness mixes—brands were using design to create a sense of calm, trust, and sensory richness. 

The show made it clear that consumers want products that fit their lifestyles and feel good to interact with. Packaging that resonates today tends to be: 

• Portable, supporting on‑the‑go lifestyles through single‑serve and stick‑pack formats. 

• Functional, communicating benefits quickly and clearly. 

• Premium yet natural, using artisanal cues to stand out without feeling. overproduced 

• Flexible, able to support small runs, seasonal drops, and rapid product iteration. 

Expo West underscored that packaging is no longer just a protective layer; it’s a core part of how consumers experience a product, understand its purpose, and decide whether it fits into their lives. 

That’s where Glerup Revere Packaging comes in.

How Glerup-Revere Can Help

Our stock and custom solutions are built to help CPG producers deliver exactly what today’s shoppers are seeking. Whether a brand needs high‑speed flow‑wrap for single‑serve snacks, stick‑pack formats for supplements, multi‑count pouches for club‑store distribution, or premium finishes that bring an artisanal look to life, we help translate consumer expectations into packaging that performs. With materials and formats that balance convenience with sustainability, and production capabilities that support both large runs and fast‑moving seasonal launches, Glerup‑Revere gives brands the tools to meet the moment—and stay ahead of it. 

If you’re planning a packaging refresh and need expert guidance, Glerup Revere Packaging is ready to help. Contact us or call our team at 1-866-747-6871 to start planning.