The 5 Best Things I Tried at Summer Fancy Food 2018
Every summer for the last five years I’ve made the trek to the Javits Center in New York City for the Fancy Food Show. With an iron stomach (mostly) and comfortable shoes, I walk for hours searching for all the new brands and products that are definitely worth knowing about. Here are some of my favorite picks from this 2018 (including a ginger elixir you’re going to need for that summer cold).
Despite the psychedelic packaging and promise that these mushrooms are “mind-blowing,” let me begin by saying that no, these are not those kind of mushrooms. All the products from Shrooms, however, will blow you away with how delicious they are. I was a huge fan of the crispy mushroom snacks in the Vermont white cheddar and Mediterranean sea salt flavors. They’re great for just snaking on or putting in salads or soups.
The family-owned company has been in the mushroom business for over 80 years and this is their first time getting into Consumer Packaged Goods. The brand is so new that they’re not available at any grocery stores or for purchase online yet (so stay tuned).
Give it a year or two, but I think shrubs are going to be the next kombucha. I am particularly fond of Element Shrub, who has been around for about four years now (but I only just tried). The flavors stand out amongst the other shrub makers, including a honeydew jalapeño flavor that’s spicy and refreshing.
Buy Now: Element Shrub, $12
Siete Family Foods is branching out from their allergy-friendly tortilla and tortilla chips to include hot sauces and cashew queso. Both of these new things aren’t available for purchase just yet, but I promise you the second I see them at the grocery store I’m squirreling them away. The queso is thick and rich and “cheesy” just like you’d expect with a normal queso.
This is the thing you want to drink when you’re feeling tired or sick. The elixir is made with ginger, lemon, honey, hibiscus, and berry tea. It’s pungent and strong and incredibly delicious.
Buy Now: 6-Pack of 8.5 Ounce Bottles of Ginger Elixir, $66
There are a lot of sweets to try at Fancy Food, but my favorite thing this year was probably this MOJO mousse. The mousse comes in three flavors: dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate. All of them are impossibly creamy and rich. It’s like the grown-up version of your favorite chocolate pudding cup as a kid.
Buy Now: 12-Pack of Mousse, $48