Natural Products Expo West 2026 Keynote Calls for Urgent Food Policy Reform

At the 45th annual Natural Products Expo West in 2026, nutrition scientist and registered dietitian Jessica Knurick delivered a keynote address urging systemic changes to U.S. Food policies to improve public health outcomes. Speaking to industry leaders, Knurick emphasized the role of evidence-based research in shaping dietary guidelines and called for structural reforms to counter the dominance of ultra-processed foods in the American diet.

The Link Between Diet and Chronic Disease

Knurick opened her presentation with a personal anecdote, sharing that her grandfather, who had type 2 diabetes, died of a heart attack at age 65. This experience drove her to investigate how dietary patterns influence cardiometabolic disease risks. During her graduate studies, she found robust evidence demonstrating that nutrition directly impacts chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. She noted that dietary modifications—such as reducing ultra-processed foods and increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins—can significantly lower disease risks.

“It’s very important to understand that an overall dietary pattern, in the research and in practice, is what predicts health much more so than single foods, single ingredients, or single nutrients,” Knurick said during her keynote. Her remarks underscored the need for a holistic approach to nutrition rather than focusing on isolated dietary components.

Systemic Barriers to Healthy Eating

Knurick highlighted two major obstacles preventing Americans from adopting healthier diets: the structure of the U.S. Food system and the proliferation of nutrition misinformation. She argued that the current food environment is designed to prioritize ultra-processed foods, which are often more affordable, accessible, and heavily marketed than whole, nutrient-dense options. This systemic bias, she contended, makes it difficult for individuals—particularly those in lower-income communities—to make health-promoting food choices.

Knurick warned about the spread of conflicting and misleading nutrition information on social media and other platforms. She stressed that this misinformation distracts from evidence-based recommendations and can lead to harmful dietary practices. “With conflicting information and a food system set up for ultra-processed foods, we need policy change to create an environment where healthy choices are the default,” she stated.

Policy Recommendations for a Healthier Food System

While Knurick did not outline specific policy proposals during her keynote, she framed her call to action around broader systemic reforms. These included:

• Incentivizing the production and distribution of whole, minimally processed foods through agricultural policies and subsidies.
• Implementing clearer labeling standards to help consumers identify ultra-processed foods and make informed choices.
• Regulating marketing practices that disproportionately target children and vulnerable populations with unhealthy food products.
• Supporting public health campaigns that promote evidence-based dietary guidelines and combat misinformation.

Knurick’s remarks aligned with growing concerns among public health experts about the rise of diet-related chronic diseases in the U.S. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), poor dietary habits contribute to more than 500,000 deaths annually from heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions also impose a substantial economic burden, with diet-related healthcare costs estimated at $50 billion per year.

The Role of the Natural Products Industry

The Natural Products Expo West, where Knurick spoke, is a leading trade show for the natural and organic products industry. The event attracts thousands of brands, retailers, and health professionals focused on sustainable, health-promoting food and wellness products. Knurick’s keynote served as a reminder that the industry’s mission—centered on health and transparency—must extend beyond product innovation to include advocacy for systemic change.

Retailers and brands at the expo echoed Knurick’s concerns. Summer Auerbach, owner of Rainbow Blossom Natural Foods Market, told New Hope Network that she was prioritizing products with clean ingredients, regenerative or organic certifications, and sustainable packaging. “I’m looking for innovative products from values-aligned brands that will help us differentiate ourselves from our competitors,” Auerbach said. Her comments reflected a broader industry shift toward products that align with both health and environmental sustainability goals.

Challenges and Uncertainties

While Knurick’s call for policy change resonated with many in the natural products industry, significant challenges remain. Food policy reform in the U.S. Is often slow and contentious, with strong lobbying efforts from the processed food and beverage industries. Public health campaigns face an uphill battle in countering the influence of social media, where misinformation can spread rapidly and unchecked.

Another hurdle is the socioeconomic disparity in access to healthy foods. Lower-income communities, in particular, often lack grocery stores offering fresh produce and whole foods, relying instead on convenience stores and fast-food outlets. Addressing these inequities will require coordinated efforts across government, industry, and community organizations.

Looking Ahead

Knurick’s keynote at Natural Products Expo West 2026 highlighted the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to improving public health through nutrition. While individual dietary choices play a role, systemic changes—such as policy reforms, industry accountability, and public education—are essential to creating an environment where healthy eating is accessible and sustainable for all Americans.

As the natural products industry continues to grow, its influence on food policy and consumer behavior could become a powerful force for change. However, the path forward will require collaboration among policymakers, health professionals, industry leaders, and communities to overcome the entrenched barriers to healthier diets.