2022 Product Buzz

Has there ever been a time when health, wellness, and sustainability have been more top of mind? After the events of the last two years, many of us are thinking deeply about how we take care of our bodies and our earth. How has all of that led to shifts on our shelves? We talked to some of our buyers about the top health trends you can expect to see in 2022.

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BODY CARE

The shift toward plastic-free and toxin-free is extending to the personal care aisle.

1 The clean beauty movement is here and there’s no turning back.

People have a much greater understanding now that what goes on your body goes in your body. To meet demand, makers of natural skin care are creating a sophisticated yet simple range of formulations that are as safe as they are effective. 2 Greener packaging. Being recyclable is a start, but many really want to see what’s at the top of the sustainable packaging hierarchy: compostable, reusable, and plastic-free. We’re excited to give customers the chance to refill household and personal care products at our newly-renovated Vernon store (coming soon!). 3 Give me the good stuff without the packaging. Here too, people want to reduce their eco footprint and are being more selective not just about the ingredients in personal care products but also how they’re packaged. So much exciting ingenuity on this front.

FRUITS & VEG

The more people understand about what’s possible at every stage—from seedling to store shelf—the more demand they create for produce grown and sold with the most sustainable, ethical, and environmental practices. 1 Eating local. Recent supply chain challenges have been a reminder of the importance of food security. We’re seeing a renewed interest in supporting local producers to help ensure everyone has reliable access to quality fruits and veg. 2 Growing your own. At the outset of the pandemic, many took the extra time at home to start a garden and enjoy ultra-fresh veggies. Many of these urban gardens continue to flourish and this trend has led to high demand for organic seeds. 3 Transparency and social responsibility. People increasingly care about how a strawberry comes from the field to their plate. Is it grown in BC? Is it free of pesticides? Is it produced ethically by growers who offer farm workers higher wages and better living conditions? What else does the farm do to create positive change? There’s a heightened awareness and priority on choosing brands working for organic and social good.

1 Antipodes

2 Refill is coming soon to

Nature’s Fare 3 Good Juju shampoo and conditioner bars come in plastic-free packaging

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SUPPLEMENTS

6 Bone broth

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You don’t have to give up that tablespoon of milk in your coffee, Friday night martini, or grandma’s beef stew recipe. Just find the delicious doubles that look and taste like your favourite cheese, beef, bread, cream, and even cocktail. 1 Reduce-itarian options. Going completely vegan or even vegetarian isn’t for everyone, but many are reducing their consumption of meat, dairy, and eggs to lessen the environmental impact. We’ve seen a rise in demand for products that look and taste just like real animal protein but are completely plant-based, like Just Egg—a tasty egg replacement. 2 Artisanal, plant-based cheeses. Who says the good cheese has to be real cheese? Artisanal cheese-makers have come to market with an impressive variety of decadent, plant-based cheeses, such as camembert, feta, parmesan, halloumi-style, etc. 3 Keto breads. The joy of sandwiching is possible even for those who are carb-conscious. We’ve seen a huge surge in keto breads as people shave calories in a traditionally high-carb category. 4 Dairy doubles. The market has exploded with dairy alternatives like Not Milk that look and taste just like the real thing. Coconut whipped cream, anyone? 5 Heavylifter foods. Since you’re eating or drinking anyway, why not choose the option with added antioxidants, probiotics, and proteins? Makers of yogurt, smoothies, and baked goods, for example, are bringing even more goodness into their recipes for those looking to boost immunity and wellness. 6 Bone broth. Word got out about all the amazing health benefits of bone broth, namely boosting collagen to strengthen skin, hair, and joints. Now bone broth-lovers have an array of nutrient-rich choices to have a cup of delicious bone breath ready in minutes. 7 Anything with oats. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, oats are among the most nutrient-dense foods out there. They’re also filling, glutenfree, and can reduce cholesterol levels. Top that with a pandemic-fueled baking craze, and oats—and oat-based products—are never on the shelf for long. 8 Alcohol-free spirits and cocktails. With a fresh new year upon us, who wants to waste a day feeling hungover? Now it’s easy to enjoy the fun and flavour of your favourite drinks—and take care of your brain and body—with a delicious mocktail.

Staying well is a lifestyle more and more people are embracing with vitamins and minerals that have been healing humans for hundreds of years. 1 When it comes to immunity, prevention is your superpower. People know that maintaining wellness, rather than reacting to sickness, is far more effective in keeping illness at bay. Some of the top immunity boosters include vitamin D 2500IU, quercetin, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), elderberry, and zinc. 2 Vitamins with staying power. The new liposomal delivery of vitamins means a lipid sphere of sunflower oil and an infusion of seed fibres dramatically increases vitamin absorption and retention. Liposomal delivery was first offered for vitamin C and now it’s available for curcumin, magnesium, NAC, and CoQ10. 3 The collagen craze carries on, and for good reason. Collagen protein can do wonders for your joints, skin, gut health, and more. 4 Mighty mushrooms. Never before have mushrooms been so popular. With all the ways medicinal mushrooms can boost your immunity, energy, mental clarity, and more, we’re seeing it in tinctures, powders, and in combination formulations designed to help combat stress and ward off colds. 5 Kitchen herbs for food and natural medicine. More people are leaning on home-grown herbs such as basil, chamomile, and chives for their soothing anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties.

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4 Turkey tail mushrooms

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FOR THOSE DAYS WHEN YOU’RE TRYING TO DECIDE IF CHIPS AND SALSA COUNTS AS “MAKING DINNER.”