Best of the West: Celebrating Latino Flavor, Culture, and Community
Check out our 10 Favorite Companies at Expo West 2023
Expo West is a culinary paradise that showcases the best natural, organic, and healthy products in the food industry. This year, we were thrilled to discover a variety of Latino food companies offering delicious flavors and products that not only celebrate the rich and diverse Latino culture but are also making an impact in their communities.
Check out these innovative companies and take a tasty journey across Cuba, Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, Guatemala, Venezuela, and more. While you’re at it, why not place an order – you will not only indulge in the richness of modern Latino cuisine and culture but also help out the community!
BeanVIVO highlights the importance of beans in Latino cuisine, offering ready-to-eat bean-based meal pouches in diverse flavors inspired by regional culinary traditions. BeanVIVO works closely with local farmers to source their ingredients, ensuring a positive impact on the environment and the Latino community.
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Agua Bonita brings authentic Mexican aguas frescas to the market, evoking memories of family gatherings and warm afternoons with their traditional flavors, such as Watermelon Chile, Hibiscus, Mango Habanero, and Pineapple Cucumber. A portion of every purchase of Agua Bonita’s products goes towards supporting migrant farm workers via non-profits.
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Tia Lupita Foods combines Mexican culinary traditions with healthier, clean ingredients, offering hot sauces, tortilla chips, and grain-free cactus tortillas that bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your table. Tia Lupita Foods also focuses on sustainability by using upcycled ingredients in their Okara Flour grain-free tortilla, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
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Chiki Chiki Boom Boom reimagines traditional flavored water with an Ecuadorian modern twist, offering innovative agua tropical that is filled with antioxidants that deliver hydration and gut health. Chiki Chiki Boom Boom ensures that every step of their process helps their communities and the environment.
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Craize Snacks showcases the authentic taste of Venezuelan arepas through their unique, gluten-free corn crisps, promoting the diverse flavors of Latin America. Craize are healthy crackers as they are not fried or baked, thanks to their unique patented toasting process that enhances the natural corn flavor while being free of preservatives or any harmful chemical additives.
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FILLO’s connects consumers to the heart of Latino cuisine through their ready-to-eat sofrito beans and seasoned grains, celebrating the diverse flavors and culinary techniques found in Cuba. Fillo’s is named after the founders’ father who was nicknamed FILLO as a kid in Cuba—something that stuck to this day. In some Spanish dialects, fillo also means “son,” and so his sons thought it was a good name for the brand.
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Solula redefines the “ordinary” plantain into crunchy tostones snacks made with simple ingredients allowing consumers to experience the bold flavors of the equator in their own kitchens. Solula partners with local plantain growers in Ecuador and Guatemala and supports them to maintain the health of their crops, their lands, and their livelihoods.
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UNiTE’s globally-inspired protein bars, particularly the Mexican Hot Chocolate flavor, showcase the delightful and unique tastes found in Latino culture while promoting unity and inclusivity. The brand encourages the community to be a part of the creation of its products and join their charitable giving program.
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A Dozen Cousins pays tribute to the culinary traditions of African American, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisine with their ready-to-eat seasoned beans, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these cultures. A Dozen Cousins supports various health and education initiatives in underprivileged communities, emphasizing their commitment to community upliftment. They also provide an annual grant (and volunteer support) to non-profit organizations that are working to eliminate socioeconomic health disparities in the U.S.
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Brazi Bites connects consumers with Brazilian culinary traditions, offering gluten-free Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo) in diverse flavors, providing a delicious and authentic taste experience. Brazi Bites uses only the finest, hand-picked ingredients with absolutely nothing artificial. Did you know they appeared on Shark Tank a few years ago? That’s pretty cool!
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These companies serve as a testament to the growing trend of independent, Latino-inspired food brands that prioritize health and genuinely support the communities they serve. However, they are just the tip of the iceberg in this movement towards culturally relevant, good-for-you food brands that give back.
We can’t wait to try our favorite products from these awesome Latino food companies. We hope you will support them as well and let us know which are your favorites.
¡Buen provecho!