CHFA West 2020 Recap

This past weekend, the Vancouver Convention Centre played host once again to the annual CHFA (Canadian Health Food Association) West conference and trade show. CHFA West remains the number one source for retail owners, managers and buyers looking for the latest products and education for doing business here in Canada.

We spent the weekend touring the expo to find some of the newest and hottest products, to share with our readers. As we first stepped on the escalator to descend to the trade show floor, we could already feel the excitement and energy in the air. With well over 900 exhibitors featuring natural health products, organics, specialty foods, health & beauty products, sports nutrition and nutraceuticals, we found many exciting new products coming now to Canada that we will tell you all about! Now some of these products may already exist in the United States but that doesn't mean they're available in stores here in Canada. It's at the CHFA West and Eats shows that new products are displayed to buyers representing Canadian retailers.   

Sunwarrior Clean Keto Protein: Sunwarrior is a U.S. company based in Utah that specializes in plant-based proteins and has developed a wide following in the U.S. At this show, they displayed their 100% plant-based keto protein at the Peak Performance booth (which is their Canadian distributor). The formula contains fats from coconut MCT oil combined with fava bean protein, fermented pea protein and fermented brown rice protein. The 48-gram, two-scoop serving provides a total of 180 calories, with 20 grams of fat, 14 grams of protein and 11 grams of carbohydrates (seven grams of which come from fibre).

MARS Hi Protein Whey Protein: We can't believe it either! But yes, it's now available thanks to their disributor True North Nutrition and tastes exactly like the original MARS candy bar. Each 35-gram serving provides you with 21 grams of protein, 3.5 grams of fat and 5.3 carbohydrates, for a total of 140 calories. This lets you enjoy a classic treat, without cheating on your meal prep! 

Sprout Living Epic Protein - Coffee Mushroom: This new product is definitely different! The formula uses multi-source plant proteins with a blend of five mushrooms (reishi, chaga, maitake, lion’s mane & turkey tail) and high-altitude coffee. Don't laugh, we don't know what "high-altitude" coffee is either but just assume it's healthier for you! The bold coffee flavor is accented by hints of coconut and cinnamon. Each serving provides 20 grams of complete plant protein, three grams of fat and 12 grams of carbohydrates for a total of 175 calories.

Blonyx Egg White Protein Isolate: Blonyx was founded by Rowan Minnion a soccer player and biomedical scientist from the UK.This is a clean, minimally processed product made with only seven natural ingredients. Unlike many egg white powders (which are very hard to find in Canada these days), the new filtering technology Blonyx uses takes all the "rotten egg" taste out of the eggs. Each serving provides 20 grams of protein, half a gram of fat and 14 grams of carbohydrates, for a total of 130 calories. Plus the bag looks sick!

Vega Protein & Energy: Originally from Burnaby, British Columbia before they were sold to a masive U.S. company, Vega is the leader in plant based proteins. Their latest creation is made with real plant-based food ingredients, plus MCT oil from coconut (NOT palm oil). This formula helps to promote alertness and enhanced cognitive function with 100 mg of caffeine from coffee fruit. Each serving provides 20 grams of protein, five grams of fat and five grams of carbohydrates for a total of 160 calories. Aside from the use of plant proteins, this product is strangely similar to Protein Energy by Optimum Nutrition which came out about 5 years ago! 

Vital Proteins Marine Collagen: Vital Proteins is based in Chicago and is the top collagen protein leader. Their Marine Collagen is a pescatarian-friendly collagen, which provides joint support from wild-caught, non-GMO whitefish. Made from one simple ingredient, the neutral flavour makes for a great option to add to coffee, smoothies, or just water. Each serving provides 10 grams of collagen peptides, with no dairy, gluten or sugar.

Quest Protein Shake RTD: Last year Quest sold their company for $1 billion dollars but that didn't stop their innovation by any means. Their new ready to drink protein shake is a delicious, naturally flavoured shake available in Chocolate, Vanilla, or Salted Carmel. Each serving provides a total of 160 calories from an impressive 30 grams of protein, three grams of fat and three grams of carbohydrates, with only one gram of sugar. 

JoyBräu Proteinbier: the non-alcoholic beer made in Germany, offers a great option for those looking for protein to aid in muscle growth and preservation. Rather than the traditional protein shake, you can drink a tasty non-alcoholic beer instead. Each can provides 21 grams of protein, 16.8 grams of carbohydrates and only a half gram of fat, for a total of 135 calories. We prefer the taste of a real beer LOL but the nutrition is on point on this one, espcially for a beer! 

PhD Smart Bar: PhD Nutrition is based in the U.K. but have been in and out of Canada for many years using different distributors. But they are now back in Canada (or at least their bar is) and this one's going to be a huge hit! The Smart Bar is a great tasting triple-layer protein bar, with filling in the middle that's low in sugar and is palm oil free. Each 64-gram bar provides 21 grams of protein, 11 grams of fat and 24 grams of carbohydrates, with only two grams from sugar. Each bar has a total of 241 calories. 

Built Bar: This is quite different than the typically dense protein bar, Built Bars have a texture that is light and fluffy, covered in tempered chocolate. Each 53-gram bar provides 15 grams of protein, four grams of fat, and 13 grams of carbohydrates with four grams of sugar, with a total of 110 calories.

G2G Protein Bar: Based out of Orem, Utah, these fresh and delicious protein bars are to be kept in the refrigerator, as they have no preservatives. These are not really a light snack, but rather a meal replacement. Each 70-gram bar provides a total of 300 calories coming from 18 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat and 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Iwon Organics Protein Stix: a crunchy snack that is high in protein and fibre, made from organic plant-based proteins. Two new flavours released are Cinnamon Churro and Korean BBQ. Both use high-quality, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, kosher ingredients. Each 42-gram bag provides 10 grams of protein, seven grams of fat and 20 grams of carbohydrates for 180 total calories.

Fatso Peanut Butters: all-natural peanut butters enriched with plant-based super-fats. Peanuts taste great and are high in protein, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. Fatso also has flax and chia seeds as they are rich in iron, fiber and calcium. Each jar also contains coconut, avocado and MCT oil. Tapioca fibre also adds a touch of sweetness, without the need for added sugar.

Made with Local Real Food Bar: started at a local farmer’s table in Dartmouth, NS, to now being a B-Corp certified food provider found in retail stores across Canada. These tasty bars are still produced by hand, to keep that home-baked quality. Depending on which flavour you choose, each bar provides between 230 – 250 calories, with seven to eight grams of protein.

BioSteel Sports Hydration Mix: Last fall, cannabis company Canopy Growth bought 72% ownership of BioSteel but that hasn't slowed down any of the inovation we've seen coming from BioSteel. Peach Mango is the newest flavour added to their Sports Hydration Mix line-up. The blend of vegan sourced amino acids, vitamin B complex and minerals help to provide optimal hydration, support energy production and helps aid in overall immune system function. This formula has no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives or caffeine. It is also vegan-friendly and is sugar-free. Taste on this one is outstanding! 

Coffee Booster: a line of flavourless liquid health booster designed for use in coffee. “Collagen” has 1200 mg of collagen. “Mind” is loaded with L-Theanine, B-Vitamins, and glucuronolactone. “Energy” has 25mg of caffeine and B vitamins. “Vitamins” is a potent combination of vitamins A, B, C, D, E. In addition, there is a Vanilla or Mocha option for keto non-dairy creamers.

Dream Water: liquid shots are a fast-acting sleep aid that helps you fall asleep and achieve deeper sleep. Three key ingredients GABA (135 mg), melatonin (5 mg) and 5-HTP (10 mg), work together to promote relaxation, allowing for a better sleep. This leads to waking up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day ahead.

ATP Lab Neuro Brain Factor: Quebec is home to ATP Lab which is a contract manufacturing plant that also has their own product line (ATP Lab) which does have some unique formulations. Neuro Brain Factor supports cognitive health, energy metabolism and tissue formation. Additionally, the formula is designed to aid in the forming of red blood cells. Each serving provides 1,000 mg L-Tyrosine, 600 mg Alpha-GPC, 250 mg Cognizin Citicholine, 2,353 mg Magnesium Taurate, 600 mg Acetyl-L-Carnitine, as well as a blend of B vitamins.

AquaOmega Plant-Based Omega-3: this new plant-based omega-3 contains 3,697 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per serving. Each 1.5 teaspoon serving also provides 215 mg Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 2,000 mg Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The formula is not clouded with unnecessary extras, just cranberry seed oil, natural flavour, monk fruit extract, rosemary leaf extract and mixed tocopherol concentrate.

Tribe Sparkling ACV: The benefits of apple cider vinegar are well known, such as working to kill harmful gut bacteria, aids in digestion and helps to lower blood sugar. This sparkling drinkable version provides all the benefits, with an appealing taste profile. This ready-to-drink version is caffeine-free, gluten-free, non-GMO and has only two grams of sugar.

Science in Sport GO Isotonic Energy Gel: This formula uses maltodextrin as a carbohydrate source to give athletes energy while maintaining a low sugar profile while improving performance with no need for extra water. Each gel pack provides 22 grams of fast-absorbing carbohydrates, providing fast energy without the feelings of bloating and discomfort some high-carb foods can cause.

Ice Shaker: owned and invented by Chris Gronkowski, this shaker bottle was invented when he couldn’t find a shaker bottle that was both vacuum sealed and featured a convenient pop-top lid. The 26 oz Ice Shaker is double-walled and vacuum insulated, which will keep drinks cold for up to 30 hours. The inner lining is constructed from kitchen-grade stainless steel to prevent odor absorption.

Smart Sweets: one of the most entertaining and best-looking booths at the show this year, the team was sampling all the crowd favourites. The original gummy bears provide a sweet candy, with only three grams of sugar and no use of sugar alcohols. We were excited to hear the news of a brand-new product on the horizon. You’ll have to stay tuned for more information soon!

For more information on these and other new products, be sure to sign up for our free newsletter!