After attending the Annual Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, I am more confident than ever that eating out, especially while traveling, is going to get healthier.

The event sponsored by the California Restaurant Association was filled with celebrity chefs and brands in the restaurant and foodservice industry.  "The three days of the Western Foodservice Expo were jam-packed with exciting special events, new product launches, education, culinary demonstrations, and so much more for the thousands of restaurant and foodservice professionals who attended this long-standing event," said Tom Loughran, Vice President.

One of the highlights of the show was the new Healthy Choice Pavilion sponsored by Healthy Dining, and much more.

I am convinced that food service is taking nutritious eating more seriously than ever.

Here are a few new brands to get excited about.

A New Take on Almonds

AgStandard represents quality, transparency and accessibility in the food we eat and our everyday lives. Started by chefs, their almonds are grown in California, handpicked and seasoned with locally sourced herbs. Along with a commitment to keep their almonds as natural as possible, yet tasty, the company gives back by donating thousands of almonds annually.

A Semi-eternal flame

Many of us enjoy the ambiance that a candlelit room provides, but we are constantly thinking about the possible fire hazard when “setting the mood”. Flameless Candles make it possible to enjoy the ambiance candles provide without the worry. Their line of “candles” use light bulbs instead of fire and come in a variety of candle-like designs ranging from rechargeable to styles made for outdoor use. Now you can set mood and extinguish the worry.

Expeditiously Sanitary

No Touch Easy Gloves is taking efficiency and hygiene to new levels with one simple, easy to use product. Their belief is this is going to help people with food allergies and the people serving them.   How many times have you gone to your favorite sandwich shop and had to wait for the employee to put on gloves? Imagine how terrifying that is for people with restricted diets.  The No Touch Easy Glove patented system allows food handlers to don protective gloves almost 3 times faster than conventional 'rubber glove boxes. This is definitely a welcomed time saver and could be a lifesaver!

Eat more beans

This is a revolutionary product that might change what is normally offered as convenient snacks. Steamed Beans & Edamame Mix, individual serving size in bags as big as peanuts, makes it easy to get more healthy, steamed beans and their flavorful nutrients in a fun, creative, convenient and delicious snack, any where, any time. And they are delicious!

Can water get any better?

Whistler Water is not only hydrating, but also delivers a clarity that you can taste and feel. Sourced from British Columbia’s Coast Mountain Range Whistler is Canada’s only premium glacial water. Along with the finest water, Whistler uses the world’s most viable plastic for recycling and is a long-standing member in the leading industry organization in North America: International Bottled Water Association (IBWA).

Gelato for Everyone

Mami’s Gelato created delicious  desserts without the use of animal products. Their line of gelatos come in a variety of flavors that will leave gelato lovers salivating and give vegans a new guilty pleasure. Mami’s non-dairy treats come ready to go in classic gelato form or drinkable versions that everyone can enjoy!

The 2018 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo was at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

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Nancy Trent is a writer and speaker, a lifelong health advocate, a globe-trotting trend watcher and the founder and president of Trent & Company, a New York-based marketing communications firm with an office in Los Angeles.  Trent & Company grew out of Nancy’s personal commitment to helping people live longer and healthier lives.  A former journalist for New York magazine, Nancy has written seven books on healthy lifestyles, serves on the editorial boards of several magazines and travels around the world speaking at conferences and trade shows on trends in the marketplace. She is a recognized expert in PR with more than 30 years of experience creating and managing highly successful campaigns. Nancy can be reached at (212) 966-0024 or through e-mail at nancy@trentandcompany.com.  You may also visit http://www.trentandcompany.com.