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CHFA 2013!

  • October 7, 2013
  • 4 minute read
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Media Badge!
On My Way Up to the Show Floor with my Media Badge at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for CHFA East!

 

 

 

 

 

My own CHFA awards
My own CHFA awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to my 2013 CHFA Roundup!

The CHFA Show is a large trade show created by the Canadian Health Food Association where brands come together to try and convince retailers and media to buy and promote their goods. It’s one of my favourite things to do all year. I spent around 12 hours on the show floor this year testing new foods, enjoying ones I already knew about, and talking to some incredibly nice people who love healthy food too.

Although I don’t write bad reviews, and despite the fact that I really LOVE my time at this show every year exploring the new stuff, I would like to take this opportunity to say that it’s completely ludicrous that a “health food” show at this point allows GMOs to be there. I really would like to request that the whole show be totally non-GMO, as that would get bogus claims like “all-natural” out, especially when they use conventional canola oil. I even saw an exhibitor drinking coca-cola out of a plastic bottle there, which is so crazy considering there are so many great drinks at the show for enjoying and they are supposed to be selling health! My mom and I talked about how there is so much waste because of all of the sampling (little spoons and cups) and how the show could make everyone use compostable stuff at the very least, or use nothing at the very most. I do feel badly about how many taster cups I used. I really liked how Mary’s Crackers did their sampling. It was neat and clean – a bowl with tongs. Best crackers at the show, no waste at all.

I hope you enjoy my pictures (they are at the very end of the post), sorry there are so many of me instead of close ups of the products, but I hope you try to look for some of the things that I liked at the show, though some aren’t in stores yet, they will be by the end of the year.

Now onto my top products at the CHFA this year (in no particular order):

1.       Liquid Light. It’s not a delicious food, but it’s a liquid mineral complex that woke me right up after eating a few too many samples, and it didn’t taste gross like wheatgrass does! It’s a natural fulvic acid that’s loaded with good stuff.

2.       Sacred Heart Mylk Chocolate. Notice I spelled “Mylk” with a “y” because it’s vegan, so there is no dairy. Now I love dark, raw chocolate, but this bar was out of this world good because it was so creamy and rich. It’s healthy enough to have for breakfast too!

3.       Sea Snax. These roasted seaweed snacks are crazy good, and come in so many flavours. Their seaweed is from South Korea, so it can be organic and isn’t contaminated from Japan. Special mention to Sea Snax for their new Oodles which are seaweed noodles that are great to mix with organic soba noodles and black sesame seeds – these noodles don’t even need cooking, just rinse them when they come out of the bag and put right onto your plate. And, I did try and new roasted seaweed snack called Gimme that were also good. Seaweed is getting popular and that’s a great thing – just make sure they don’t use canola oil on the roasted snacks!

4.       Rise Kombucha. I’ve written about these guys a lot, because it’s not only my favourite kind of kombucha (fermented fizzy drink, like healthy pop), but their entire team definitely wins my award for nicest people ever at any booth at any show! They are also the only fair trade kombucha on the market.

5.       Begley and Bill’s Soda. It’s pop, but because it’s from California, they call it soda. Thanks to Matt from Organic Garage for recommending that we go over and try it. It’s sugar-free and in glass bottles! The guys there were so unbelievably kind and friendly, it was just as refreshing as their drinks!

6.       Bare Fruit.  Although we have a dehydrator, and it’s best to make our own, these dried apples, apricots and mangos are stupendous! The fruit is grown, dried and packaged in the US and there is no sugar added, although they are naturally sweet. They are organic and nut-free, which is also why they made this list!

Now for my highlights in pictures:

 

Sweet Seeds Crunchy Quinoa Bars! Yum!
Sweet Seeds Crunchy Quinoa Bars! Yum!
Solar Raw Kale - They even had a real kale plant!
Solar Raw – They even had a real kale plant from their farm where they grow all of their own kale for chips!
Coconut Bliss is the BEST!
Coconut Bliss is the BEST! Have you tried their Cafe Latte Bars and Salted Caramel Ice Cream?

 

 

Love Crunch is basically crumbled cookie in a bag from Nature's Path, which is one of the BEST companies around fighting for our food rights!
Love Crunch is basically crumbled cookie in a bag from Nature’s Path, which is one of the BEST companies around fighting for our food rights!

 

Above the CHFA - it's HUGE!
Above the CHFA – it’s HUGE!

 

Veggie Gos was a new find for me and they made with organic fruits and vegetable combination like sweet potato and apple - they are simple and great.
Veggie Gos was a new find for me and they are made with organic fruits and vegetable combinations like sweet potato and apple – they are simple and great.

 

 

Try sea snax in every flavour plus their sea sprinkles, oodles and sea vegi seaweed salad mix!
Try sea snax in every flavour plus their sea sprinkles, oodles and sea vegi seaweed salad mix!

 

Screaming Brothers Ice Cream is a crazy good find!! Made from organic Coconut Milk, and not much else (like hand squeezed lime for their great KeyLime flavour), it's smooth and delicious, but not yet available in Ontario, hopefully soon!
Screaming Brothers Ice Cream is a crazy good find!! Made from organic Coconut Milk, and not much else (like hand squeezed lime for their great KeyLime flavour), it’s smooth and delicious, but not yet available in Ontario, hopefully soon!

 

Sol Cuisine makes a soy-free burger, and although you can't compare it to something fresh, it's really good packaged vegan burger!
Sol Cuisine makes a soy-free burger, and although you can’t compare it to something fresh, it’s a really good packaged vegan burger!

 

Just add "organic" to this sign and you're perfect!
Just add “organic” to this sign and you’re perfect!

 

Glee Gum's new watermelon flavour was great. It's definitely not fruit, but better than the majority of chewing gums!
Glee Gum’s new watermelon flavour was great. It’s definitely not fruit, but better than the majority of chewing gums!

 

Lots of people waiting in line to get their Raw, Quick and Delicious cookbook signed by Chef, Doug McNish!
Lots of people waiting in line to get their Raw, Quick and Delicious cookbook signed by Chef, Doug McNish!

 

Shirataki Angel Hair Noodles - surprisingly good considering they were right out of a plastic bag, ready to serve after a rinse! Gluten-free and made from only one plant based ingredient of some Japanese root vegetable.
Shirataki Angel Hair Noodles – surprisingly good considering they were right out of a plastic bag, ready to serve after a rinse! Gluten-free and made from only one plant based ingredient of some Japanese root vegetable.

 

 

Savoury Tea from Numi. Sounds so weird but was great that it was different and I tried it, and liked it.
Savoury Tea from Numi. Sounds so weird but was great that it was different and I tried it, and liked it.

 

Seaweed Salad on the go from Japanese Delight. Instant food doesn't sounds good, but this one is. From airplanes to camping you will want to have one of these with you!
Seaweed Salad on the go from Japanese Delight. Instant food doesn’t sound good, but this one is. From airplanes to camping you will want to have one of these with you!

 

Coconut Aminos is organic and replaces soy sauce or tamari - great flavour!
Coconut Aminos is organic and replaces soy sauce or tamari – great flavour!

 

Giddy Yoyo Chocolate!
Giddy Yoyo Chocolate!

 

Maple Hemp Seeds! These were great, I am going to try them on oatmeal.
Maple Hemp Seeds! These were great, I am going to try them on oatmeal.

 

Field Roast!! This isn't health food, but I do really love it thanks to Doug McNish making me try it last year.
Field Roast!! This isn’t health food, but I do really love it thanks to Doug McNish making me try it last year.
I got a new glass bottle from Lifefactory from Mary at Soko Distribution, love it!
I got a new glass bottle from Lifefactory from Mary at Soko Distribution, love it!

 

Brad's Raw Foods! If you are going to buy Kale Chips in a package or raw crackers, try these!
Brad’s Raw Foods! If you are going to buy Kale Chips in a package or raw crackers, try these!

 

Sugar-free candies from St. Claire's Organics! These are free of the top allergens!
Sugar-free candies from St. Claire’s Organics! These are free of the top allergens!

 

New "Mylk" Chocolate Bar from Sacred Chocolate - I vote best bar at the show!
New “Mylk” Chocolate Bar from Sacred Chocolate – I vote best bar at the show!
Liquid Light from Sunwarrior. I plan on taking this often!
Liquid Light from Sunwarrior. I plan on taking this often!

 

These chips are a bit gimmicky because they are kale flavour, not really kale chips, but I did really like them!
These chips are a bit gimmicky because they are kale flavour, not really kale chips, but I did really like them!

 

Alter Eco Chocolate! Very dark, very delicious! Their quinoa puff bar was awesmazing!
Alter Eco Chocolate! Very dark, very delicious! Their quinoa puff bar was awesmazing!

 

Dried Apples, no sugar - thanks Bare Fruit!
Dried Apples, no sugar – thanks Bare Fruit!

 

The green bag of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Seeds are organic, and I put them in my smoothies, on my oatmeals, salads and kale chips!
The green bag of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Seeds are organic, and I put them in my smoothies, on my oatmeals, salads and kale chips!
I ran into Lulu from Real Food for Real Kids. Did you know that she delivers food to schools all across Toronto everyday that is healthy?
I ran into Lulu from Real Food for Real Kids. Did you know that she delivers food to schools all across Toronto everyday that is healthy?
Seva Maple Water was pitched to us as Canada's version of coconut water. I will try it in my smoothie.
Seva Maple Water was pitched to us as Canada’s version of coconut water. I will try it in my smoothie.

 

This pop from Organimals tastes great, and it's only sweetened with organic agave, but I wish it came in glass bottles since we avoid cans because they are lined with chemicals.
This pop from Organimals tastes great, and it’s only sweetened with organic agave, but I wish it came in glass bottles since we avoid cans because they are lined with chemicals.

 

Eden Foods is incredible - they have everything!
Eden Foods is incredible – they have everything!

 

Nud food now comes in mini grab and go packets. They are raw, vegan, nut-free, and really delicious.
Nud food now comes in mini grab and go packets. They are raw, vegan, nut-free, and really delicious.

 

I spy with my little eye, Camino organic candy canes - fair-trade too!
I spy with my little eye, Camino organic candy canes – fair-trade too!
Enerjive Skinny Crackers are great! A nice little salty snack!
Enerjive Skinny Crackers are great! A nice little salty snack!

 

Sen Cha Mints are organic, nut-free, and really good.
Sen Cha Mints are organic, nut-free, and really good.
Peter Neal and I with the Neal Brothers' 25th Anniversary Cake!
Peter Neal and I with the Neal Brothers’ 25th Anniversary Cake!

 

 

Fair trade

 

Another chia, hemp and buckwheat cereal/topping, but the best (and only) costume at the show!
Another chia, hemp and buckwheat cereal/topping, but the best (and only) costume at the show!
Three Farmers Camelina oil is Canadian and tastes awesmazing - I liked their onion and herb one best!
Three Farmers Camelina oil is Canadian and tastes awesmazing – I liked their onion and herb one best!
This raw, edible body butter is edible and makes your skin smell like chocolate - my sister loves it!
This raw, edible body butter is edible and makes your skin smell like chocolate – my sister loves it!

 

These buckwheat, quinoa and chesnut gluten-free crackers from France are great!
These buckwheat, quinoa and chesnut gluten-free crackers from France are great!

 

I think Mary's is one of the best overall brands and booths at the CHFA. Organic and free of so many allergens plus no waste sampling!
I think Mary’s is one of the best overall brands and booths at the CHFA. Organic and free of so many allergens plus no waste sampling!
Now THAT is a list of good things for a packaged product! Love their cookies, crackers and pretzels!
Now THAT is a list of good things for a packaged product! Love their cookies, crackers and pretzels!
Alex from CHFA and I! Think before you eat (and act!).
Alex from CHFA and I! Think before you eat (and act!).

 

With Abraham from Rise Kombucha - try the MInt Chlorophyll, it's my favourite!
With Abraham from Rise Kombucha – try the MInt Chlorophyll, it’s my favourite!

 

 

 

 

 

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ABOUT ME!
I started reviewing food on my blog at 8 years old. Now I have applied my passion for real food to public speaking, product demos, and convincing people to eat more organic hummus!
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Part of Taste Is Feeling Good About What You Eat

I started reviewing food on my blog at 8 years old. Now I have applied my passion for real food to public speaking, product demos, and convincing people to eat more organic hummus!
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