Emerging brands are finding their voice and their audience at Newtopia Now, the innovative new show that ran from August 20–22 in Denver, CO, bringing together entrepreneurs, retailers, and thought leaders from around the world. Designed as more than just a trade show, Newtopia is a human-first platform where technology enables connections, but relationships take center stage.

“Technology helps, but it’s really the humanity of the relationships that makes Newtopia special,” says Jessica Rubino, VP of Content and Summits at New Hope Network. “Brands are able to introduce exciting new products, build meaningful relationships, and connect with retailers and partners in ways that feel personal and authentic.”

Many first-time exhibitors embraced the opportunity to showcase innovative concepts, and retailers took notice. “Innovation is alive and well,” Rubino adds. “Companies are stepping up not just with new products, but with the quality, sourcing, and integrity behind them. You see it in functional beverages, protein innovations, soups, and farmer-owned brands. These entrepreneurs are committed to both product excellence and greater impact.”

Among the trends observed was the mainstreaming of natural products and healthier living, and exhibitors going beyond product attributes. “The companies here are ready to answer questions about their ingredients, sourcing, and the communities they support” Rubino says. “It’s not just innovation for the sake of innovation—it’s innovation with integrity.”

New approaches to long-standing categories were also evident, from regenerative collaborations to products designed to support thriving as we age, particularly for women. The rise of farmer-owned brands was notable, with entrepreneurs finding new ways to monetize traditional practices while building sustainable CPG businesses. “It’s exciting to see farmers evolve into entrepreneurs who can scale thoughtfully and ethically,” Rubino says.

KC Sullivan of Two River Gourmet Mushrooms shared his take on this year’s Newtopia show, highlighting the energy and excitement around purpose-driven, functional food: “You could feel the energy from brands that aren’t just making products they’re building categories. Being featured as an emerging brand and seeing the excitement around functional foods, especially mushrooms, was incredible. It’s important to engage with independent and regional natural retailers who are early adopters of innovative brands.”

Early-stage brands are bringing a surprising level of sophistication, investing in storytelling, sustainability, and ingredient integrity. There is a growing trend of products that blur the line between food and wellness like Two River’s own Lion’s Mane broth, which combines culinary comfort with genuine functional benefits.    

From protein beverages to soups, functional foods to regenerative practices, Newtopia captures the next wave of natural product innovation, all within a space that celebrates human connections and meaningful impact. For emerging brands, it’s the perfect stage to be seen, heard, and valued.

Here are some natural and organic brands to watch: 

Functional Drinks for the Modern Body

Corpse Reviver – Female-founded hydration brand from Colorado, offering low-calorie, botanical-infused drinks with electrolytes, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and L-theanine. Designed to refresh, replenish, and revitalize, with flavors like Berry Hibiscus and Guava Rose.

Liquid+ – Functional nutrition in a pouch: a drinkable blend of 13 fruits and vegetables, 11 vitamins, and 8g of prebiotic fiber, supporting gut health, immunity, and energy on the go. FDA-registered and third-party tested for purity.

CoAqua – Lifestyle-focused coconut water brand from Vietnam, offering still and sparkling varieties with inventive flavors like Citrus Circus and Espresso’d, blending hydration with design-forward, playful packaging.

Fermenteria – San Antonio taproom specializing in water kefir and probiotic beverages, low in sugar and naturally fermented, highlighting gut health and community-driven experiences.

Dösis Tea – Premium adaptogen-infused teas for relaxation, energy, digestion, and vitality. Organic, vegan, and crafted from botanicals like lavender, chamomile, and cordyceps.

Botanical Lucidity – Woman-owned wellness brand creating organic, plant-based elixirs like Longevity Mushroom Potion and Radiance, formulated for holistic health and tested for potency.

Good Dirt – Functional soda reinvented with prebiotic mushroom fibers and plant-based ingredients to support gut, brain, and immune health. Low-sugar and naturally sweetened.

Virohana – Himalayan herb-focused wellness brand offering organic supplements and natural products for overall health.

Sun Chlorella USA – Chlorella-based functional foods and supplements, supporting immunity, gut health, energy, and cognitive performance via a patented digestibility process.

High Level – Physician-driven wellness brand offering “medical-grade” supplements for cardiovascular, cognitive, and overall health, free from GMOs, soy, dairy, gluten, and artificial additives.

Mind Master – Caffeine- and sugar-free adaptogenic mushroom blend designed to boost focus, creativity, and emotional balance. Connected to Gula World, a community platform for mindfulness and personal growth.

Plant Power & Pantry Revolution

Big Tree Farms – Organic coconut-based sweeteners, sauces, and marinades, produced with regenerative farming in Indonesia, supporting fair economies.

Purity Coffee – Regeneratively farmed, high-altitude Arabica coffee, organic and third-party tested for toxins, emphasizing antioxidant preservation and health benefits.

Ginger Pops – Physician-formulated, plant-based frozen pops for natural nausea relief, using real ginger, citrus, and vitamin B6. Drug-free, convenient, and family-friendly.

Golden Falafels – Plant-based, Middle Eastern-inspired falafel for retail and foodservice, emphasizing protein-rich, convenient, and sustainable options.

Rebel Cheese – Artisanal vegan cheeses, including cave-aged, soft, and firm varieties, all dairy- and gluten-free, crafted with traditional techniques.

Loopini – Protein-packed, lupini bean crust frozen pizzas from Naples, Italy, with over 50g protein per pizza and sustainable, plant-based ingredients.

YÜJ Granola – Woman-owned brand producing soft-baked, gluten- and soy-free granola with fiber, antioxidants, and plant protein for kids and adults.

ZEGO Foods – San Francisco-based allergen-free foods, including oats, muesli, and sacha inchi protein powders, all organic and purity-verified.

māla girl – Plant-based superfood broth powders crafted from 19-26 vegetables, botanicals, and spices. Nutrient-dense, instant, vegan, and carbon-neutral.

HOL Health Club – Whole-food protein bars made from chicken bone broth, dates, oats, and honey, delivering 20g protein per bar without additives.

18 Chestnuts – Plant-based soups, vegan, low-glycemic, and shelf-stable, designed for convenience and healthy living, with subscription options.

Green Fox Companies – Family-owned sustainable agriculture business producing hemp hearts, oils, and eco-friendly building materials.

The Sweet Spigot – Family-owned Michigan maple syrup producer, offering pure syrup, cream, candy, and gift boxes, crafted sustainably with glass packaging.

Great Eastern Sun Trading Co. – Specialty foods including organic miso, Japanese teas, seaweed, noodles, and sweeteners, with plastic-neutral packaging and traditional methods.

Aider – High-protein, prebiotic fiber ice cream designed for indulgence without guilt, promoting wellness, balance, and community among women.

Smearcase – Frozen cottage-cheese-based ice cream delivering 40g protein per pint, reduced fat, added collagen, combining indulgence with functional nutrition.

Autumn Sons Baking Co. – Woman-owned allergen-friendly, plant-based baking mixes, free from gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and GMOs.

Nowhere Bakery – California-based dessert brand specializing in gluten-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly baked goods like cookies and brownies.

Magic Chocolate – Vegan chocolate bars using Regenerative Organic Certified ingredients for unique flavors like Mocha Latte and Golden Milk Chai, with a focus on sustainability.

The Conscious Bar – Vegan chocolate bars sweetened with organic dates, crafted for taste, health, and ethical sourcing.

Clean Confidence

YBrows – Menlo Park-based PMU studio offering microblading, lip blush, faux freckles, and scalp micropigmentation, emphasizing natural, personalized beauty enhancements.

Farm Fresh Glow – Family-founded skincare line with natural masks, oils, and accessories, free from artificial fragrances and dyes, suitable for all ages.

Acure – Clean beauty brand offering vegan, cruelty-free skincare, haircare, and body care, formulated to address aging, dullness, sensitivity, and hydration.

Thoughtful Living

Panic Panties – NYC-based premium underwear for on-the-go moments, individually wrapped, OEKO-TEX certified, sold nationwide, supporting women in need via The Undies Project.

MOXĒ – Aromatherapy and lifestyle brand offering essential oil blends, nasal inhalers, sprays, and shower steamers to enhance relaxation, focus, and wellness.

SolidSleep – Science-backed sleep solutions including mouth tape for nasal breathing, nasal strips, and supplements, vegan, cruelty-free, and GMP-compliant.

Thoughtful Human – Mission-driven greeting cards made from plantable seed paper, designed to support authentic communication around grief, addiction, and mental health, with resources and community support.

From revitalizing beverages to plant-forward foods, clean skincare, and thoughtful essentials, these emerging brands are redefining wellness with innovation, integrity, and purpose—offering products that nourish, delight, and inspire everyday living.