You know when you go to the supermarket, and people are handing out samples of tiny quiches that are so, so good? And know you shouldn’t ask for seconds, but somewhere you’re wearing a hat pulled low in line again, hoping the quiche lady doesn’t recognize you? Last weekend I played this scenario out times time when I attended the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California. There, I was lucky enough to check out the latest foods, products and more the organic and natural products have to offer. The foremost show of the natural products trade industry, the Natural Products Expo West is made up of 53,000 industry professionals from across the globe.

And just what did this expo offer up? I saw supplements, organic foods, natural and specialty foods, and health and beauty products galore. The event was sponsored by Horizon, Muir Glen Organics, Silk, and Seventh Generation, among others. There were Pop Chips were on every corner, Stonyfield served of stalls of yogurt wares, and Steaz teas pouring into cups in every corner. And the Tofurkey people were offering up the latest in Tofurkey deliciousness. (Because yes, Tofurkey is delicious, and I stand by my strange addiction to pretend turkey meat.)

First I stopped by the Seventh Generation stand, which was showcasing cleaning products galore. What’s new for Spring? Their representative informed me that it was disinfecting sprays and wipes. These wipes will be registered with EPA – and this means that they can make an EPA-backed disinfecting claim that they can kill germs. Apparently, the active ingredient germs should be afraid of thyme – yes, the kind you can grow in your garden naturally. Thyme kills germs. Who knew? Apparently Seventh Generation.

You know when you go to the supermarket, and people are handing out samples of tiny quiches that are so, so good? And know you shouldn’t ask for seconds, but somewhere you’re wearing a hat pulled low in line again, hoping the quiche lady doesn’t recognize you? Last weekend I played this scenario out times time when I attended the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California. There, I was lucky enough to check out the latest foods, products and more the organic and natural products have to offer. The foremost show of the natural products trade industry, the Natural Products Expo West is made up of 53,000 industry professionals from across the globe.

And just what did this expo offer up? I saw supplements, organic foods, natural and specialty foods, and health and beauty products galore. The event was sponsored by Horizon, Muir Glen Organics, Silk, and Seventh Generation, among others. There were Pop Chips were on every corner, Stonyfield served of stalls of yogurt wares, and Steaz teas pouring into cups in every corner. And the Tofurkey people were offering up the latest in Tofurkey deliciousness. (Because yes, Tofurkey is delicious, and I stand by my strange addiction to pretend turkey meat.)

First I stopped by the Seventh Generation stand, which was showcasing cleaning products galore. What’s new for Spring? Their representative informed me that it was disinfecting sprays and wipes. These wipes will be registered with EPA – and this means that they can make an EPA-backed disinfecting claim that they can kill germs. Apparently, the active ingredient germs should be afraid of thyme – yes, the kind you can grow in your garden naturally. Thyme kills germs. Who knew? Apparently Seventh Generation.

Next I strolled by Nature’s Baby Organics, a baby-centered body care line. I spoke with Adena, who developed the line after she found that her young daughters suffered from skin allergies. As Adena told me, they offer “good, clean ingredients that perform well. I’m a self-proclaimed hair snob who wanted products gentle enough for my babies but rich and luxurious enough for me.” They offer 21 products, five which are USDA certified organic. They are free of parabens, phthalates, Propylene Glycol, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.

I checked out the EO Organics booth, which was premiering a new hair care line. I spoke with Emma, who explained their new line is comprehensive. They offer up organic detanglers, styling serum and more, soon to be available at Whole Foods nationwide. She also showed off their new housecleaning all-purpose soap – which is apparently the only all-purpose soap closest to your skin’s natural ph level. It is biodegradable and safe to use to wash floors or your fruits and vegetables.

And the products just kept coming. I check out the extremely fragrant, certified organic soaps from Pure Provence. Tom’s of Maine showed off their new Long-Lasting Wicked Fresh toothpaste, which is supposed to offering up minty taste that lasts. Weleda debuted their new pomegranate line of regenerating body creams, oils, and washes. And finally, Dr. Bronner’s, which is rated four out of four leaves from Greenopia, showed off their new USDA certified organic body care.