Each year, new foods or ingredients, emerge as the “it” healthy items that everyone is rushing to add to their cart. Based on a survey of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN), Trade magazine Today’s Dietitian and health and wellness communications firm Pollock Communications identified this year’s top 10 most popular superfoods.

An interesting item revealed — RDNs observed that healthy labels were eclipsing taste in their patients’ food decisions. The takeaway — communicating the health benefits of certain ingredients is more important than ever.

You’ll see that the majority of these foods listed are items you already have on the shelves. Make sure those healthy labels are presented where they are highly visible by creating your own superfoods logo and “shelf talker” sign describing health benefits. To reinforce the signage throughout the store, post the list of this year’s “superfoods” at the front of your store so customers have a starting point for their hunt. 

We won’t keep you waiting any longer. Below are the top 10 superfood trends listed alongside their health benefits, plus we give you a few real world examples.

1. Fermented Foods

These foods, which include yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi and miso, offer powerful benefits like boosting gut health and reducing inflammation.

Real world examples:  Cindy’s Miso dressing , Sushi Chef red miso soup

2. Avocado

Avocados are a great source of vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. They also provide lutein, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids. While fresh avocados are the best way to harness all benefits, avocado oil does contain many of these vitamins and nutrients and your patrons will be pleased to see them in your assortment.

Real world examples: Sir Kensington’s Mayonnaise made with avocado oil, Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing with avocado oil

3. Seeds

Depending on the seed, these superfood gems provide a variety of benefits from boosting energy, to amping up calcium intake, to aiding with weight loss. Those seeds getting a lot of attention for health benefits include pomegranate, hemp, chia, pumpkin, sesame, flax, and wheat germ.

Real world examples:  SuperSeedz pumpkin seeds, Purely Elizabeth hemp granola, Kim’s Magic Pop brown rice cakes with 7 super seeds

4. Ancient Grains

Filled with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, ancient grains like amaranth, millet, farro, buckwheat, freekeh, and quinoa have been cultivated for a long time, but they are just finding their place at the American table. They each have specific health benefits like, providing energy, and keeping you feeling fuller longer.

Real world examples: Kitchen & Love ready to eat roasted peppers and artichoke farro, Swiss Familia organic granola chocolate and amaranth

5. Exotic fruit

Many exotic fruits like acai and golden berries are high in antioxidants, packed with vitamins and nutrients, have anti-inflammatory properties, and could boost immunity.

Real world examples: CLIF Bar Smoothie blueberry acai, Brookside dark chocolate acai blueberry

6. Blueberries

These berries offer antioxidants and phytonutrients, and are also high in potassium and vitamin C.

Real world examples: Bigelow® Benefits blueberry and aloe herbal tea, Nature’s Bakery gluten free blueberry fig bar

7. Beets

They are high in nutrients while low in calories. Beets also contain nitrates and pigments that may help with blood pressure and may help boost athletic performance.

Real world examples: Lantana beet hummus, Beetology beet and cherry juice 

8.Nuts

Full of minerals and fiber, nuts can be a good source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. While there are many varieties, some of those deemed superfoods are almonds, pistachios, walnuts, cashews, pecans, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and peanuts.

Real world examples: Nassau Candy Anti-Oxidant Mix and Dieter’s Delight Mix.

9. Coconut Products

This tropical fruit is a good source of fiber, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, potassium, and selenium. It also a source of lauric acid, which can aid in lowering cholesterol.

Real world examples: Bob’s Red Mill unsweetened coconut flakes, GOCO original coconut bites, and eliya King Coconut Water

10. Nondairy Milks

A good source of protein, nut milk can be lower in calories, lower in fat, and contain less carbohydrates than traditional cow’s milk. These are particularly important as more consumers move to plant-based diets.

Real world examples: Elmhurst Milked line of nondairy milks

Even if you can’t squeeze all these superfoods into your offerings, just adding one or two groups shows your customers that you know what’s trending, and you understand their needs and wants. Ask customers if they are enjoying the new offerings. Make it a social event – hand them a survey or have them vote on the best new product of the season. No matter how you choose to incorporate superfoods into your assortment, we’re sure customers will take notice.