The idea of “wellness” seems like a simple enough concept, but in today’s world defining these ancient principles of health and contentment remains ever-elusive. So, we went to the experts to find out what to expect for 2023.
At the Canadian Health Food Association CHFA Now trade show, we found out more about the multi-million dollar wellness industry, and discovered what Canadians can expect to see in-store in the coming year.
Be Gutsy
The hashtag #GutTalk started trending this year (we’re not even going to get into GutTok right now), signalling a boost in digestive health awareness and probiotic appreciation. Canadian brand Bio-K+ makes probiotic shots with over 80 million live and active bacteria (really, it’s good for you) in a little YOP-like bottle.
You can also get good gut bacteria from bee propolis, a resin produced by bees that’s known for its natural probiotic properties. Beekeeper’s Naturals aims to replace the standard pharmacy items in medicine cabinets with all-natural, “beegan” alternatives. The Superfood Honey is a mix of raw honey, bee pollen and royal jelly sourced sustainably from remote apiaries before becoming the antioxidant-packed honey supplement.
Bio-K Plus Organic Raspberry 50 Billion Probiotic Single
$6, instacart.com
Beekeeper’s Naturals B.Powered Superfood Honey
$40, beekeepersnaturals.com
More Mushrooms
So long cremini, hello lion’s mane and chaga. The popularity and health benefits of exotic mushrooms is on the rise in an industry where they’ve long been the champion of plant-based options. You can’t really go wrong with a good button or portobello, but with new variations in stores and in supplements, it’s worth branching out a bit the next time you go looking for those B Vitamins. You’ll start seeing mushrooms in very unexpected places, like the Doseology Wake Tincture or this Hekate Lemon-Lime Sports Drink Mix.
For a mushroom version of something more traditional, Dodjivi’s Reishi Ganoderma Mushroom Coffee mix will have your coffeemaker dripping straight antioxidants. Reishi mushrooms and Colombian Arabica micro-grown coffee are blended together to create the nutrient-loaded brew also known as their “Vitality” blend. It’s available online along with their 4-in-1 immunity blend with chaga, lion’s mane, reishi and turkey tail mushrooms.
Hekate Sports Drink Mix
$50, hekate.com
Doseology Wake Tincture
$30, doesology.com
Dodjivi Vitality Blend
$52, dodjivi.com
No Plastic, Please
Calling all culinary travellers: the days of 100ml shampoo bottles are behind us. Plastic-free isn’t exactly a trend, because the cause itself isn’t new and there’s no indication that the importance of minimal plastic use in consumer choices will die down anytime soon. In fact, it seems to be ramping up: the latest product to go plastic-free is shampoo and conditioner, with more and more companies like Upfront and Hibar launching bar-form versions in variations for every hair type, indicating a trend towards the sustainable revamping of even the most traditional product types.
If you prefer to take a tasty journey from home, Humble Potato Chips are a Canadian brand that makes the crispy snack using organic potatoes (skin and all) and a traditional cooking method for an ultra-satisfying bite. The chips are packaged in a plastic-free compostable bag, so you can enjoy them while making a sustainable choice. Look for flavours like Honey Mustard and Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar in your local chip aisle or on well.ca – and don’t forget the dip.
Upfront Cosmetics Invigorating Shampoo Bars
$17, upfrontcostmetics.ca
Hibar Solid Shampoo Bars
$14, hellohibar.ca
Humble Potato Chips
$5, well.ca
Alcohol-Free For Me
The alcohol-free beverage industry is taking on a life of its own, as more and more people look to cut down or stop their alcohol consumption – and modern scientists are more than ready. Kind of like lab-made meat, these carefully crafted formulas are designed not just to provide an alternative to the original, but a close replication. Booze-free gin is distilled by Sobrii in Stratford, Ont., along with alcohol-free tequila, and longtime favourites Fever-Tree have the mixer covered. In other words, go ahead and plan your next cocktail party with some options to be sober in style.
If you’re more of a wine drinker, Grüvi’s Non-Alcoholic Bubbly Rosé has notes of green apple and strawberry, making it a refreshing accompaniment for a midday meal. The booze-free formula gives a whole new meaning to your “Rosé All Day” routine (and you can go ahead and pick up some beers or Dry Secco to stock up the cooler). It’s time to pop some pink bubbles.
