These Two Items Are Now Considered New Superfoods

Move over blueberries, kimchi and green tea — there are two new superfoods in town. Every year, Pollock Communications and Today’s Dietitian releases its annual “What’s Trending in Nutrition” survey, and they spoke with 757 registered dietitians to determine the ultra-nutrient-dense foods that we should all be eating this year. In addition to the eight existing superfoods on the list — blueberries, fermented foods, seeds, nuts, avocado, leafy greens, ancient grains and green tea — aquatic greens and non-dairy milks made the cut for 2023.

The superfood list also came with a few shopping predictions for this year. With current food prices being as high as they are, the survey said that people will be more budget-conscious in 2023 and shop for foods that are more affordable. Convenience is also top-of-mind, as is eating to support immunity.

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Now about those superfood newbies. Not only are aquatic greens like algae and seaweed sustainable, they’re also packed with nutrients like iodine, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium. Kelp, along with other seaweed varieties, is also being studied for its effects on blood sugar regulation and gut health.

I was honestly a little surprised to hear that plant-based milks are now considered superfoods, especially because many of them contain stabilizers and added sugar. But if you choose the right type, it can be beneficial to your health. For example, the amino acids, protein and iron in soy milk are nutritious, and hemp milk contains 10 essential amino acids and both omega-3 and omega-6 fats.

I, for one, love both seaweed and alt-milks, and eating from this superfood list is always a nice contrast to my beloved martinis and fried chicken. Life is all about balance, after all.