A few weeks ago, I traveled to Chicago for the Food & Nutrition Conference and Expo, fondly known as FNCE. In addition to attending scientific sessions and hearing from thought leaders like CNN's Sanjay Gupta, Kimbal Musk, co-founder of The Kitchen, and Dayle Hayes, MS, RDN from School Meals that Rock, I wandered through the Expo hall tracking innovative new food products and exciting nutrition trends. On this week's show, trends tracker and fellow dietitian, Janet Helm, MS, RDN joins me to dish about her favorite food finds, my top picks, and mouthwatering innovations making their way to a supermarket near you.

Janet's blog is called Nutrition Unplugged, and she's my go-to resource for food trend news. I always love hearing about her insights at FNCE, which is why I invited her to chat with me on today's show. Overall, these were the biggest themes we noticed at the show:

> What's Old is New Again: New food trends are fun to track, but sometimes those tried-and-true favorites make a comeback. Cottage cheese anyone? > The Power of Probiotics: With so much buzz about the health benefits of good bacteria, it was no surprise probiotic foods were everywhere. > Plant-based Milks: From almond and peanut milks to milks made with pea protein, non-dairy milks were a big hit at the Expo. > Plant-based Diets: Beans and lentils are having a moment! > Allergy-free Foods: Gluten-free was all the rage for the past few years, and now we're seeing lots of products free from the top 8 allergens.

Show Highlights:

• Janet shares her personal history and what she finds so interesting about food trends.
• Plant-based foods are the trend! Learn ways to eat less meat without giving up your favorite flavors.
• Everyone is nuts about nuts, even with the rise of allergies.
• Why natural food producers are now coming to FNCE.
• Our favorite healthy convenience foods and snacks.
• The pros and cons of home food delivery services.
• Probiotics are everywhere. Healthy guts rejoice!
• Bigger companies and mainstream food producers are responding to consumer demand for clean labels.
• Smaller brands are turning to Amazon to get their products to the world.
• Old-school foods are getting a new look and feel.
• Sorghum is on the rise, and quinoa is here to stay.
• Focus on the farmers, the inspired Ocean Spray cranberry bog, and technology that allows food to tell its story.

Ways to Connect with Janet Online

https://www.nutritionunplugged.com/

Janet Helm on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanetHelm

Janet Helm on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nutritionunplugged/

Resources discussed:

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: http://www.eatright.org/

FNCE: http://eatrightfnce.org/

Kimbal Musk: http://www.thekitchen.com/

The Kitchen Community: https://thekitchencommunity.org/

Muuna Cottage Cheese: http://muuna.com/

Campbell's Well Yes! Soups: https://www.campbells.com/well-yes/soups/

Farmhouse Culture: https://www.farmhouseculture.com/

Lifeway Kefir Cups: http://lifewaykefir.com/family/kefir-cups-cheese/

Nancy's Kefir: https://nancysyogurt.com/products/organic-kefir/

GoodBelly Probiotics: http://goodbelly.com/

Bolthouse Farms plant-based milks: https://www.bolthouse.com/

Veggemo: https://veggemo.com/whats-veggemo/

Cybele's: http://cybelesfreetoeat.com/

Cali'flour FOODS: https://www.califlourfoods.com/

Wondergrain: http://www.wondergrain.com/products/

NOW Foods Q Cups: https://www.nowfoods.com/q-cups

Biena Chickpea Snacks: https://bienafoods.com/

P-nuff Crunch: http://pnuff.com/

Yumbutter: http://yumbutter.com/

Elmhurst: http://www.elmhurst1925.com/

Bizzy Bee: https://onafoods.com/collections/all

Daily Harvest: https://www.daily-harvest.com/

Rachel Paul's Healthy Bars: https://www.rachelpaulsfood.com/

V8 Green Juice: https://www.campbells.com/v8/v8-veggie-blends/blends-healthy-greens/

Wasa Crackers: http://www.wasa-usa.com/

Quaker Oats: http://www.quakeroats.com/product/hot-cereals/Instant-Oatmeal-Cups.aspx