The two new varieties, Everything Hummus Toast and Lemon Poppy Seed Hummus Toast, also include seasoning packets to mix into the hummus. Both varieties have 7g protein (9% Daily Value), 5g fiber and 13g whole grains.

There were an impressive 600 new, first-time exhibitors this year. As someone who has been going to Expo West for more than a decade, it was an amazing collection of better-for-you foods and top-notch entrepreneurs. 

Flavor Shots feature a burst of intensity and crunch and come in convenient ready-to-go packaging.

In addition to enhancing the category with healthy fats, the Pro Toasty is cleanly crafted without high fructose corn syrup, artificial preservatives or coloring.

“While the original Medlee line has developed a strong customer base, retailers have expressed interest in a premium seasoned cooking fat for vegan shoppers, as well as those consumers who avoid or limit dairy intake,” says Alberto Valdes, President and CEO.

Understandably, some innovation details are meant to be kept behind closed doors. Yet there are times when it’s okay to talk and take a peek at what’s inside those doors.

Stuffed sweet and savory delights, such as pierogi, calzones, pocket pastries, and filled pastas present challenges to processors. The biggest hurdle: Keeping the insides sumptuous—and inside—while having the outsides maintain their texture and integrity, be it fluffy, flaky, or crunchy.

"We are setting the standard for the retail category through innovation, product development and technology; we listened to our retail partners and we developed products to solve their problem, shelf life."

This latest innovation allows tuna lovers to expand horizons with new flavors, which are now available on the company's recently launched web store.

From large food conglomerates to boutique artisanal companies, product developers are creating higher-end products designed specifically for quick preparation, such as cooking in a microwave.