The Gluten-free & Allergen Friendly Expo (GFAF Expo), is a wonderful small event to attend if your're new to gluten-free living. While not so beneficial for veterans, it's a safe place to learn about some big name and small name brands, companies, and maybe even learn something new at the speaking sessions they hold throughout the weekend long expo. This was my second time ever going to the GFAF Expo, this years as an official blog ambassador. While it was smaller than 2 years ago (not sure why), there were still a few highlights and some fun products I want to share with you all!
The two big sponsors were Udi's and Glutino, with prime spots right at the from of the expo showroom.
Of course I had to stop by my favorite pretzel people and snag some coupons π
My mom and I were excited to finally be able to buy some of Jennifer's Way amazing gluten-free and allergy-free baked goodies! From bagels to buns to breads, she has it all. Her quality Brooklyn based bakery is a gluten-free and vegan foodie's dream come true!
More bagels! Hey there Sweet Notes! Our super local New Jersey company, making safe bagels for all! (Still have never tried one myself though!)
Maybe my number 1 highlight was getting to meet my favorite chickpea-loving people, BANZA! The whole team is so cool, down to earth, and you can just feel the passion and love they have for their company! Banza for life!
I really failed at taking pictures during the expo, but of course I snapped a few shots of some of the "swag". Some things I can't eat, but it's still fun to gather up some products π Massel was the sponsor for the bloggers, a vegan gluten-free bouillon company. Stocked up on some Lesser Evil popcorn (of course!), bread slices from Three Bakers, Viki's Granola, Mediterranean Snacks new Bean Stalks, a bunch of snack bars from Nature's Path and Enjoy Life.
Three stand out brands I didn't get pictures of, were:
Pure Genius - Awesome gluten-free, vegan, nut-free sweets and treats! Think brownies and blondies made with beans!
Izzi B's Allergen-Free Bakery - Amazing baked good everyone can enjoy! They even cater and they have gingerbread building kits! Haha! Yes!
I Heart Keenwah - The quinoa snack people came out with a new snack...quinoa puffs! They look fantastic! They're also a really sweet small company and the founder was telling me about making those quinoa bites in his kitchen at the start!
Bread Empire - Buddha Bread! Okay, I can't eat these as they contain dairy and eggs, but my mom stocked up and loved the bread! Paola, the founder, spoke to us for such a long time about what lead her to create a lovely gluten-free bread company and she was so sweet (giving us this free bag!). If you do eat dairy and eggs, I'm going to urge you to try out the Budda Bread! Cute little gluten-free buns of joy!
Freedom Foods - I just adore Freedom Foods and their amazing allergy-free cereals! Tropic O's are the best, but they came out with some new ones called Fruit Rainbow Rocks (like a healthy fruity pebble!). We also snagged some of the Maple Crunch cereal as well π
Jennifer's Way - Of course my mom couldn't leave without picking up new bagels to try! They look fantastic! I wanted some of the sesame hamburger buns, but that will have to wait π
My Dad's Cookies - My mom is beyond obsessed with their cookies! The black and white are her favorite. Another brand I can't eat, but if you can/do, go for it! They are such a friendly company as well.
All the small brands and companies there were fabulous as they had the actual owners there running the booths. The big brands like Udi's and Glutino (haha, and the scripted representatives for Cheerios...which are now being recalled nation wide!), really weren't knowledgeable about their companies what-so-ever (the reps they had didn't even know what blogging was). Also the Nature's Path reps handing out samples of their pumpkin flax granola which is not gluten-free. You can read about that huge mishap here. However, some other great companies I was glad to meet were Kahn's Kitchen (got a hug from Jason!), Luce's Gluten-Free Artisan Bread (amazing "just add water" mixes), Otto's Cassava Flour, and Swerve (amazing "sugar-free" sweeteners).
All in all, it was a nice quick little expo. I was done navigating the floor in 2-3 hours. Someone the brands that said they would be there weren't and there really were less companies than 2 years ago. But again, if you're local to the tri-state area or one of the other many cities the expo goes to, it's a great option for those new to gluten-free and other allergy living.
So tell me:
+ Have you ever been to a specialty expo? Food or otherwise? Let me tell you, Natural Products Expo West is happening this year...it must!
+ Small companies > big names. Am I right? YES!
*Linking up for the week!Β Allergy Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday,Β Gluten-Free Fridays, Savoring Saturdays,Β Waste Not Want Not!*
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Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
That must have been such a fun adventure!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
There were stories π
Christine
That looks so fun, I'm totally jealous. Love Udi's.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks! Haha, the bready bread people!
Raia
Ug... Jealous.... π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha π
Suchitra
This was a very informative post. It is good to know about all the GF products out there. Thank you.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Deborah Davis
I love to attend healthy food and lifestyle expos. I get so many great samples and ideas for new products to try.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally!
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker
Wow, so much goodness. Lucky you! π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha! Thanks!
Amberjane
Great write up
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Mary, Living a Sunshine Life
Some really awesome brands there! We don't eat gluten free, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy a gluten free snack every now and then. The flavors have gotten better and sometimes I just prefer that flavor.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Every products is unique!
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life
It may have been smaller than 2 years ago but it still sounds like a fabulous expo with many great products!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
For people new to allergies, yes!
kimmythevegan
Fun! What a great opportunity. I am really wanting to try Jennifer's Way & Banza - they sound so good! Glad you had a great time and got to try some awesome new products.
I heard about the Cheerio thing on the radio, but it was a clip from a stand up comic saying Cheerios is recalling their gf cereal and re-branding glutos. I thought it was a joke, I guess the first half was true ;p
I'm surprised some of the bigger owners aren't more in tune with clients and blogging. Interesting. I do prefer smaller companies myself.
Epic swag bag!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Banza's not new to me π
They just need to stop playing on the marketing and fad.
Small companies for life!
Kristy @ Southern In-Law
SO. MUCH. GOOD. STUFF.
Now I'm here wishing we had even half of these things here in Aus!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You have other awesome brands though!
Audrey
I see some of my favorites here, as well as some new products.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's great!
DIYJUSTCUZ
Awesome post! Very informative for anyone who needs more information on GF
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Not, really, haha!
Alison
Looks like an awesome expo!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yup!
Bianca @ ElephantasticVegan
Although it's been smaller and with less brands - it still sounds like fun to me! I'd rather meet up with the real business owners of smaller brands than just some kind of representative or reprentative of big brands π And the chickpea noodles sound awesome!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's how I feel! I liked meeting with some of the brands that I've actually spoken with through social media!
sue
Glad you enjoyed the Expo and it looks like you came away with a lot of information and ideas.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ha, no, but thanks!
Deedra
I live in the world capital of Expos and I have no idea when they are. I think I need to fix that because the loot you got was very cool. How would I go about finding them?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They have all their upcoming cities on there site.
The Vegan 8
Omg I would have gone nuts in that place! So much yummy snacks! So cool you were able to go!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ha, I just with more of the things were vegan π
Michele
I'm so curious about the bagels! I really do miss a good NY bagel!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I will let you know!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
all this yummy looking food - so great that you were able to connect in person with some of these brands! I'm always so happy when I can find a decent gluten free snack that's not full of crazy ingredients. I'd love to attend one of these events!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Basically, I'm just so happy I got to meet the Banza team!
Melissa @ vegan does it
Sounds like you had a great time! I've never been to a food expo before, but I'd love to go to one sometime. It sounds awesome and definitely small companies are way better!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Small unique companies that know and care so passionately about their product and the production and consumers...and well every aspect!
Myra
Great review! I've never been to a GF expo but would love to check one out if they ever came to my area π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They go to so many cities! Check out the site!
Myra
I live in Canada π And in a rural area. It's all good, I will live vicariously through these posts π
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
Um this still sounded really freaking awesome! You packed a lot into half a day! Bagels seem to be prevalent, haven't had one in forever, and I've always wanted to try one from Sweet Note. And the giant bag of sweet and salty popcorn is snack heaven! Of course cereal is always exciting, the "fruity rocks" instead of "fruity pebbles" π hahahaha And definitely small companies win!!!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Bagels are taking over....and I still have that recipe to post π I will.....after pumpkin season....
Bagels, popcorn, and cereal. That's all life needs π
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
CARBS!!!!!
GiGi Eats
Friggin' love round ups like this!!! I want a gluten-free/allergen-free expo to come to LA!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
There are plenty in CA.
Emilie Talks
I love food expos! I have been to a coupleof them in the past and it's the best way to learn about new brands in my opinion!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sometimes they can be π
Emily @ My Healthyish Life
I've never been to a food expo but after all the Expo East/West talk it sounds like something I'd enjoy! I prefer small companies too π I think there is a GF food expo in Florida soon but too far away from me to go for the day.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Expo West is amazing since it's when all the companies showcase their new products for the first time!