Natural Products Expo West 2026, held from March 3 to 6 in Anaheim, California, showcased a wave of innovations focusing on weight management, gut health, and women’s wellness. Exhibitors unveiled a range of protein-enriched concepts, unique combinations of probiotics and postbiotics, and ingredients supported by clinical research.
During the trade show, Nutrition Insight had the opportunity to speak with representatives from Saanroo, Kerry, Aker BioMarine, FrieslandCampina Ingredients, and ADM, focusing on multifunctional ingredients, advanced delivery technologies, and innovative supplement formats.
John Quilter, CEO of Saanroo, noted the recent surge in gummy supplements, driven in part by consumer fatigue with pills. He anticipates an upcoming shift toward alternative formats, stating, “We’re observing a new trend, particularly liquid formats such as shots and gels—which provide a more food- and beverage-like supplement experience.”
He added, “These formats offer a more engaging experience, particularly appealing to younger consumers. We are seeing several leading brands gaining traction in this segment, many of which are prominently featured here.”
Kerry showcased its BC30 probiotic during the expo, which promotes digestive health and enhances protein absorption. Katy Kinsella, the business development director, emphasized the importance of these benefits for individuals using GLP-1 medications, helping to mitigate gastrointestinal side effects while ensuring sufficient protein intake—an essential nutrient for these users.
She highlighted a seminar revealing that 22% of U.S. households now have at least one member using GLP-1 medications. “This will transform how consumers shop and what foods they choose,” Kinsella explained. “It’s crucial for them to ensure they’re incorporating nutrient-dense options into their diets.”
Clinically-backed Benefits
Kerry presented findings from its study focusing on GLP-1 users utilizing the BC30 probiotic, which revealed substantial benefits for that demographic.
“We conducted a real-world study with 253 GLP-1 users, yielding impressive results in alleviating gastric discomfort and enhancing overall quality of life,” Kinsella elaborated. “Participants reported a willingness to recommend BC30 to others using GLP-1.”
ADM’s Vaughn DuBow explained how the company leverages consumer insights to fuel innovation.
Kinsella noted that consumers are increasingly drawn to functionality. “These users are eager to enhance their health, and ingredients that offer clinically backed benefits are particularly appealing as they build trust.”
“GLP-1 users want to maximize the nutritional value of their limited food intake. Thus, ingredients that serve multiple functions are increasingly crucial.”
Kinsella also discussed Kerry’s postbiotic, Plenibiotic, which brings various health advantages. “Our research on Plenibiotic indicates its effectiveness in promoting digestive health and skin wellness.”
Meanwhile, Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine, emphasized the anticipated impact of artificial intelligence on research in ingredients and nutraceuticals, stating it effectively transforms consumers into informed researchers.
“Historically, our studies were designed to support packaging claims and present health benefits simply for consumer understanding. As AI becomes more common, consumers will have ready access to scientific data, likely altering our research methodologies.”
“In the past, studies often involved minimal doses on healthy subjects, generating less compelling results, albeit sufficient for established claims. Moving forward, we might consider higher dosages and more targeted populations, leading to more insightful results.”
Data from these studies will then be integrated into AI models. Johansen pointed out that Aker BioMarine is working to ensure its scientific advancements reach consumers effectively in this evolving landscape.
Protein Plus Biotics
FrieslandCampina Ingredients showcased a variety of protein-forward innovations, including a chocolate-inspired crispy protein bar, cookie dough protein bites, and a high-protein vanilla café latte at Expo West 2026. The company noted that while protein remains foundational in the functional food market, consumers are on the lookout for products delivering multiple benefits.
Lifeway featured a high-protein, probiotic smoothie with collagen, crafted with kefir cultures, at Expo West 2026.
Floor van der Horst, the global marketing director, explained how these products support GLP-1 users in adjusting their habits without sacrificing flavor or texture. “It’s about maximizing nutrition in smaller portions, seamlessly integrated into daily routines. That’s why we prioritize products that are both trendy and enjoyable.”
“For instance, a ready-to-drink coffee protein beverage using our caseinate provides slow amino acid release, remains low-calorie, and helps stabilize blood glucose levels throughout the day.”
Van der Horst further highlighted the company’s Fermentis concept, which integrates prebiotics, probiotics, and protein to strengthen the gut-muscle axis and alleviate digestive challenges linked to these therapies.
“The combination of pre- and probiotics nourishes the gut microbiome, while the protein aids in muscle synthesis, ensuring GLP-1 users receive vital nutrition.”
Auke Zeilstra, managing director for North America at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, mentioned that Fermentis includes prebiotics such as galactooligosaccharides (GOS), an ingredient also provided to the infant formula market, in addition to whey protein.
The company also conducted research with MMR Research regarding the blend of GOS, whey protein, and probiotic cultures.
“We implemented a consumer survey involving 150 recreational athletes, all exercising at least weekly, over a three-week timeframe,” Zeilstra shared. “Participants reported their energy level, digestive health, and mood.”
“On workout days, participants took 15 grams of Fermentis post-exercise, while on days off, they consumed it before bed.”
The survey demonstrated significant improvements in energy levels, digestive comfort, and overall mood among the participants.
Simplifying Reformulation
Vaughn DuBow, senior director of marketing for North America Health & Wellness at ADM, shared that the company strives to create products that not only offer health benefits but also assist in reformulation strategies.
“During this event, we are launching a reformulation campaign aimed at reducing sugar, sodium, and fat while increasing protein and fiber—nutritional elements consumers truly need.”
“Our reformulation approach emphasizes using as few ingredients as possible while ensuring high quality and health benefits through our nutritional components.”
Additionally, DuBow highlighted the ease of incorporating postbiotics into a variety of functional food formats compared to probiotics. “Supplements are straightforward—active ingredients can reside in a capsule or tablet without complications, a practice we’ve utilized for over two decades.”
“With postbiotics, we are poised to penetrate new categories such as beverages, foods, snacks, and dairy—extending the potential benefits of biotics to diverse consumer segments.”
“Postbiotics can be utilized in domains where probiotics cannot, continually expanding their presence in the market, and we anticipate seeing them in various new options very soon,” he asserted.
Boosting Bioavailability
At Expo West 2026, Saanroo introduced Trpti for metabolic health and Bioberb, a more bioavailable variant of berberine.
Quilter described Trpti as a fatty acid ethanolamide (OEA) that naturally aids in appetite suppression. “It’s effective in relatively low doses. Taken about 30 minutes prior to meals, it can be formulated into both tablet and ready-to-mix drink formats, offering formulators a wealth of opportunities for innovation in metabolic health.”
Smart Harvest launched a new product line called Fruitine, offering freeze-dried fruits like strawberries and bananas coated in protein chocolate.
Saanroo also released a microbiome study prior to the event, indicating that Trpti fosters the growth of beneficial bacteria, including Akkermansia muciniphila.
Maggie McNamara, VP of Global Marketing at Saanroo, pointed to the innovative delivery system for both ingredients, LipiSperse, developed by Pharmako Biotechnologies.
“This delivery technology enhances the bioavailability of both ingredients and allows them to be integrated into formats that would typically be unfeasible,” she noted.
“Traditionally, OEA and berberine have been delivered through pills due to taste considerations. With LipiSperse, we can broaden our product offerings without sacrificing efficacy.”
“For instance, this technology lets us present solutions in forms such as sachets or powders without losing effectiveness. Furthermore, LipiSperse addresses digestive issues associated with berberine as well.”
Beyond Omega-3s
At Expo West 2026, Aker BioMarine focused on the synergy between physical and mental well-being, according to Johansen.
“Supplements are no longer exclusively for older female consumers; the category has expanded to include individuals of all ages—ranging from young adults aiming to manage stress or enhance athletic performance to seniors concerned about longevity and overall health.”
Aker BioMarine, traditionally associated with krill oil products, is branching out into new marine-derived ingredients.
“For instance, we’re launching a new brain health ingredient, Lysoveta, which facilitates the delivery of both choline and omega-3 fatty acids across the blood-brain barrier,” Johansen detailed. “We also offer an algae-based vegetarian source of omega-3 and our PL+ concept, which investigates how phospholipids in krill can enhance the efficacy of ingredient absorption within the body.”
Additionally, he mentioned that the company is exploring ways to incorporate its ingredients into functional food formats, which provide a more accessible route for consumers to derive benefits. Johansen anticipates increased innovation in marine ingredient applications in the near future.
“The principal challenge lies in masking flavors and ensuring that the ingredients blend well into food products without compromising taste or texture,” Johansen pointed out. “While we excel in krill science, we frequently collaborate with companies specializing in integrating ingredients into smoothies, powders, and other product formats.”
As the demand for innovative and health-focused products continues to rise, the advancements showcased at Expo West 2026 are paving the way for a more nutritionally-conscious consumer market.
