Grape Seed and Cricket Flour, VitaFiber and More – Interesting New Products to Keep an Eye Out For in 2014!

As most of you know by now, when it comes to discovering new products and ingredients in the health space (that I genuinely believe could enhance ones ability to consume beneficial nutrients in an enjoyable manner).. I get a little excited (and by a little, I mean a lot! Yes, nutrition nerd coming out in full force).

Over the past few months I have slowly but surely been spotting random products that I thought I would share with you today to keep you all up to speed on some of the ingredients to watch out for, or to source yourself, if you are interested in trying them!

Product 1: Grape seed flour

Not something I have seen widely available, but it is a wonderful gluten free flour that is absolutely packed with antioxidants (I mean, packed)! I came across this at a Restaurant and Food Show in NYC, and amazingly the business owner was actually from Adelaide, Australia! Take a look at the grape seed flour companies website where they have a number of links to scientific studies and show the nutritional composition of the flour.

Product 2: VitaFiber

Anyone on my Facebook would know I am a HUGE fan of VitaFiber. It is a nonGMO prebiotic soluble fiber supplement that is sweet in flavour and comes in both liquid and powder form, and which can be used in place of sugar. Although it used to only be available as a wholesale item in Canada and the USA, it is now being commercialised by “Sweet It” so that we all can enjoy it!

As a side note- Australia for some reason has still not had it approved by FSANZ, however I am told its in the process of having this changed so that it will be available there too shortly. I am waiting for the day that this comes in little sachets, and is next to all the sugar and sugar alternatives in the local coffee shops!

I got sent a sample when I reached out to the Canadian company behind the initial products. LOVED using them regularly.

Product 3: Cricket flour based energy and protein bars

Definitely something new for the Western world to get used to / accept as a protein source! Cricket flour is a more sustainable protein source than many of the current available options, that is packed with nutrition. There are a number of companies, such as Exo and Chapul, that are emerging in the health food space that are switched onto this ingredient and have already started to make waves. I look forward to seeing how this all evolves, as at the moment, you definitely pay a premium.

Exo cricket protein bar

Product 4: Mangosteen fruit powder supplements

Another premium product that focuses on the antioxidant and polyphenol compounds found naturally occurring within the fruit. There has been a study performed looking at the immune enhancement effects that can come from consuming mangosteen in supplement form, and the results were quite positive.

Knowing me, I could probably keep going with more products I have come across, but for now, I think this opens you all up to potentially some new products you haven’t tried yet, without me going over board!

Do let me know if you try any of these products, I would love to hear about your experiences!

For now,

From a sunny NYC (finally!),

TD x