The Natural List

Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith
  • 5.0 (7)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

A New Hope Network podcast covering hot products, emerging trends and expert insights driving the future of CPG! Seaweed burgers and meatless meats. Mushroom elixirs and adaptogenic mocktails. Plastic-free packaging and waterless shampoos. The nearly $300 billion-dollar natural products industry is swimming in innovation. But which products and trends have staying power? During this podcast, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith share the latest industry news and the most compelling and (sometimes off the wall) innovations that are primed to transform the CPG industry and support a global shift toward healthier, more sustainable living.

  1. 2D AGO

    [Recast] New Hope Network's 2026 CPG trend predictions

    From food and beverage innovations to what’s new and noteworthy in supplements and personal care, this week’s episode of The Natural List is revisiting one of our FAVORITE episodes from the last year... where our hosts discuss the New Hope Network 2026 trend predictions! This week's episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. Learn more here: https://prlabs.com/ Co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith walk through the 10 trends predicted to make waves in the CPG and natural products industry in the coming year. Now is the time to start thinking about your 2026 planning, and these trends aren't just predictions—they're grounded in real data from Nutrition Business Journal, hands-on observations from major industry events like Expo West and Newtopia Now and comprehensive market intelligence gathered by our New Hope Network team to help brands stay ahead of the curve. According to New Hope Network's Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ), the industry’s size has more than tripled since 2007, reaching an impressive $325 billion in 2024—with projections to hit $343 billion this year. And with so many entries into the market, one thing is clear: The most successful brands can differentiate their offerings both on the shelf and behind the scenes through value propositions that go beyond pure profit to also support people and planet. Watch the full episode to learn what these top 10 natural products trend predictions are and see product examples that are already bringing them to life. In this episode: 1:10 - What’s new with this year’s trends 2:12 - The expertise behind these trend predictions 3:25 - Macro forces driving our industry inform these trends: Relationships and systems-based approaches to business models doing good 4:42 - Trend #1 Broth reimagined: Functional, delicious and oh so easy to enjoy 6:55 – Trend #2 Frozen dairy bonanza, emphasis on the dairy 8:22 – Trend #3 Condiment mania: A great way to try different flavors and get hooked 12: 16 – Trend #4 Multifunctional beverages bundle many benefits within a single bottle 13:44 – Trend #5 Nutrient-dense convenience: Bars are the OG, but innovation is happening from freezer to savory smoothies. 15:39 – Trend #6 Harnessing hormones: Products are innovating to manage hormones in new ways. Social media trends are raising awareness 17:51 – Trend #7 Primal products: Tallow renaissance, massive growth in animal-based products and consumers choosing responsible meats more often 20:32 – Trend #8 Fantastical wellness leaves space for fun and feeling good in their branding and consumer 22:30 – Trend #9 Clean beauty broadens reach, narrows focus to the unique needs of consumers 25:11 – Trend #10 Home sweet homemade products bring artisanal production techniques in convenient packaging 26:51 – Did we leave out a trend you loved? Let us know! Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube.

    28 min

  2. DEC 22

    [Recast] Top wellness beverage innovations and products from 2025

    The beverage category is always.... bubbling... with innovation! This week, we're revisiting one of our most popular episodes of The Natural List Podcast, which covers top healthy beverage trends and products of 2025. This episode was originally published on February 24th, 2025. Co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith take listeners on a flavorful journey through some of the most exciting ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages in the natural products space. From functional sodas and sparkling waters to exotic mocktails and tea-wine blends, they sample a mélane of beverages, driving the future. Tasting products from 2025's NEXTY Awards finalists, Jessica and Adrienne spotlight drinks that push the boundaries of flavor, function and sustainability. They dive into intriguing flavors, organic certifications and the rise of multifunctional beverages promising more than just refreshment. Sip along as Jessica and Adrienne taste-test their way through some of the most buzzworthy beverages in natural CPG—tune in now to see which drinks made a lasting impression! This episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. Learn more here: https://prlabs.com/ In this episode: 1:15 – RTD beverages galore: mocktails, flavored waters, alternative colas and functional drinks. 4:20 – Fresh Fizz Sodas: Sample jalapeño limeade and date cola—spicy, subtle, and naturally sweet. 7:45 – A fermented flavor explosion: Cherry vanilla craft soda from NIRA. 10:45 – Hydrogen-infused hydration: oHy’s sparkling water claims calm confidence—does it deliver? 11:45 – Sparkling energy with a twist: heywell blends energy and hydration in a citrusy sip. 13:45 – Beautiful and bubbly: AMABIE’s Energy blends yuzu and honey with gorgeous packaging. 15:10 – Yerba mate innovation: Guayaki’s Cherry Jubilation brings nostalgic vibes with a functional flair. 17:10 – Afterglow in a can: Free AF’s Whisk#y Ginger—can an NA drink match the real thing? 18:30 – Wine and tea’s meet-cute: Enter Tethos’ Sauvignon Blanc tea. 20:25 – A tropical escape made RTD: Mocktail Club’s Bali Breeze take you to the beach. 21:45 – An adaptogenic adventure:...

    26 min

  3. DEC 15

    Forecasts and strategies to navigate a changing supplement market

    In this episode of The Natural List, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith welcome Erika Craft to discuss the latest NBJ Supplement Industry Market Update and Economic Outlook Report. They explore how this new report complements the Supplement Business Report, offering valuable insights for businesses to use either in tandem or independently. A key feature of the report is its inclusion of three forecasting scenarios—baseline, light economic pullback, and dramatic economic pullback—providing a comprehensive view of potential industry outcomes through 2028.  The conversation delves into the factors influencing these projections, particularly the overall economy's impact on consumer purchasing behavior. Despite economic challenges, consumers continue to prioritize supplements for their health, even amid price hikes. The report also notes that the current economic climate is unlikely to mirror the drastic pullbacks seen in 2022. Erika emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer segments—general versus premium supplement users—and tailoring strategies accordingly.   Don’t miss this insightful episode packed with actionable data and expert perspectives. Tune in now to learn how the NBJ report can help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving supplement industry!

    16 min

  4. DEC 8

    2025 rewind—This year’s top CPG trends and industry drivers

    In the latest episode of The Natural List podcast, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith take listeners on a journey through the key trends and developments that shaped the natural products industry in 2025.   From the resilience required to navigate tariffs to the mainstreaming of natural products through initiatives like Make America Healthy Again (MAHA), this episode dives deep into the forces driving growth and innovation. Jessica and Adrienne explore the top categories driving growth, which products saw investment this year and the categories that are projected to keep growing in 2026 and beyond.   Tune in for insights into how innovative distribution and retail models are empowering early-stage companies, the impact of GLP-1s our industry and the transformative role of AI in marketing, branding and compliance. While AI continues to make waves, a key focus of the conversation is around how brands and retailers can use it to deepen the in-person connections that make our industry so great. And of course, we can’t forget, protein and fiber were huge this year. What will the “big” macro be in 2026? Whether you're an industry insider or a curious consumer, this episode offers a compelling look at the trends that shaped the past year of health and wellness and how they’ll influence the future.

    20 min

  5. DEC 1

    Health span trends and NCN recap

    This week’s episode of The Natural List Podcast offers listeners an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Nutrition Capital Network (NCN) Fall Meeting in San Francisco and dives into one of the most exciting trends shaping the health and wellness industry: Health span.   Co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined by NCN Investment Business Development Manager Jennifer Pfeifer to explore how NCN fosters meaningful connections between brands and investors, while also unpacking the generational drivers behind the health span trend.  Listeners will gain insights into the mentorship and community-building that NCN provides, as well as the innovative brands and products that are capturing investor attention. Functional beverages, supplements and health span innovations are at the forefront of investor interest, with a focus on partnerships built on collaboration that go beyond just financial backing. The emphasis on partnership—where investors contribute both expertise and funding—is key to NCN’s success.  Our hosts and guest also explore the health span conversation, sharing insights into how different generations are engaging with health span and the unique opportunities that creates for brands to meet evolving consumer needs.   This episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. To learn more, visit their website. https://prlabs.com/   Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

    28 min

  6. NOV 24

    Mission-driven brands making an impact

    Get ready to feel inspired! This episode of The Natural List celebrates mission-driven brands that truly give back. With so many incredible CPG companies making a difference, choosing just a handful to spotlight was no easy feat.  Jessica and Adrienne welcome special guest Meredith Kaufman, editor at New Hope Network, for an engaging conversation about brands that embody gratitude 365 days a year. Together, they explore Meredith's curated gallery of standout companies: Those with mission woven into their DNA, brands committed to charitable giving and everything in between.  What does it really mean to be "mission-driven" in today's marketplace? While our industry naturally gravitates toward creating healthier products for people and planet, there's a beautiful spectrum of ways to build purpose into your business model. Tune in to discover how these brands are redefining what it means to do well by doing good.

    24 min

  7. NOV 17

    New Expo West events, Justin's restructuring and Thanksgiving food galore

    This episode of The Natural List podcast, with co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith, explores what's been happening in the CPG industry lately. The conversation kicks off by discussing the rise in traditional brands embracing cleaner formulations, highlighting how "clean beauty" trends are reaching into conventional retail channels. The duo then shifts focus to Thanksgiving favorites, featuring insights from Meredith Kaufman's latest gallery on seasonal must-haves, including a sweet potato and chickpea stuffing, innovative uses for tallow in holiday cooking, and a pumpkin pie filling that's making that homemade taste easier than ever. They then cover the major restructuring happening at Justin's, where founder Justin Gold is taking a more prominent leadership role while Hormel transitions to minority shareholder status. Jessica and Adrienne analyze what this strategic shift means for the brand and how it might influence their future innovation strategies. Watch until the end of the episode where the hosts also preview the upcoming CPG Innovation Summit, a brand new event coming to Expo West 2026. They discuss how different perspectives are shaping what innovation means in the natural products industry, highlighting the importance and timeliness of an event like this. Whether you're tracking investment trends, exploring brand positioning strategies, or seeking inspiration for product development, this episode has something for you. Listen to The Natural List to stay up to date on what's driving today's natural products market. Add the show to your weekly rotation, because upcoming The Natural List episodes will feature more details on keynote speakers, Expo West updates and additional CPG Innovation Summit announcements coming soon. This episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. To learn more, visit their website.

    16 min

  8. NOV 10

    Trends and industry themes from SupplySide Global 2025

    The natural products industry is all interconnected. In fact, trends that start in the supplement industry often make their way into other areas of the industry. Stay ahead of the curve and join co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith as they welcome guest Bill Giebler, content and insights director of Nutrition Business Journal, for an exciting recap of SupplySide Global 2025.  Jessica and Bill attended the event, which took place from October 27–30, 2025, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fresh from the trade show floor, Jessica and Bill share their firsthand insights into the most compelling trends shaping the natural products industry, including the rising prominence of the ingredient Shatavari and how brands are innovating to capture the attention of health-conscious Gen Z consumers.  The conversation dives deep into the evolving landscape of healthy aging, exploring how the industry is reframing conversations around longevity and wellness to resonate with different demographics. The hosts also discuss the newly released theme of the 2025 NBJ Summit that encompasses industry experiences.   Whether you're an industry professional or simply passionate about natural health trends, this episode delivers valuable insights straight from one of the industry's most important gatherings.   This episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. To learn more, visit their website.

    22 min
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About

A New Hope Network podcast covering hot products, emerging trends and expert insights driving the future of CPG! Seaweed burgers and meatless meats. Mushroom elixirs and adaptogenic mocktails. Plastic-free packaging and waterless shampoos. The nearly $300 billion-dollar natural products industry is swimming in innovation. But which products and trends have staying power? During this podcast, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith share the latest industry news and the most compelling and (sometimes off the wall) innovations that are primed to transform the CPG industry and support a global shift toward healthier, more sustainable living.

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith
  • Show Website
    The Natural List

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