Natural Products Expo East took place at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland Sept. 11-14. Here are a few companies that incorporated tea and herbs into innovative products.
Soda Press Co.
Bondi Beach, Australia-based Soda Press Co. produces the first Certified Organic Shelf-Stable Kombucha Concentrate. The company currently manufactures its Kombucha Syrups in three flavors: Original, Cola Nut & Kaffir Lime, and Passionfruit & Tangerine, all of which can be prepared with a SodaStream machine. Organic black and green teas are used to make the syrups, which are low in sugar and high in probiotics.
Virginia First Tea Farm
Newport News, Virginia-based Virginia First Tea Farmmanufactures tea soaps and other personal care and cleaning products thatincorporate organic green tea. The company’s philosophy is that “nature’s wayis the best way” and utilizes green tea because of its antioxidants as well asits anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Among thecompany’s clever, natural products are: Jasmine & Green Tea Castile Soapfor Face and Body, All-in-One Natural Tea Shampoo & Conditioner (Peppermintand Green Tea), and Dish Soap with green tea.
Teaonic
Van Nuys, California-based Teaonicproduces functional herbal tea tonics and shots. Each is formulated fordifferent purposes, including: relieving stress, clearing skin, aidingdigestion, detoxing the liver, supporting adrenals, and more. The company wasfounded by a mother and daughter who are both Certified Health Coaches by theInstitute for Integrative Nutrition, a pioneering institution in holisticeducation. Teaonic currently offers eight tonics and four shots.
Organic Traditions
Tornoto, Canada-based OrganicTraditions introduced its Yerba Mate Mint Latte with Matcha and Probiotics.The dairy-free packaged blend contains coconut milk and 1 billion heat andshelf stable probiotics per serving. It is easily prepared with hot or coldwater and the taste is smooth and satisfying with a hint of mint. The beverageis uplifting without inducing jitters. Organic Traditions’ focus is to offerCertified Organic superfoods and functional blends “for prevention,regeneration and longevity,” states the company’s website.
The Maple Guild
The Maple Guild, which isbased in Island Pond, Vermont utilizes the state’s famous maple syrup in tea.The company’s eight organic teas are lightly sweetened with maple syrupharvested from more than 16,000 acres of sugar maple trees making them “thelargest single-source producer of maple in the world” according to MapleGuild.com. The Maple Guildemploys its very own Steam-Crafting™ method, rather than using direct heat toboil the maple syrup so as to preserve all of its natural flavor nuances. Itseight organic tea flavors are: Black Tea, Black Tea Lemon, Black Tea with MixedBerry, Black Tea Peach, Black Tea Raspberry, Green Tea, Green Tea Ginger, andGreen Tea Mint.