Superfoods: The ones to watch in 2016

With the latest research from Mintel finding that between 2011 and 2015 there was a 202% increase in the number of new food and drink products launched globally containing the terms “superfood”, “superfruit” or “supergrain”, it’s clear that consumers around the world have never had so many “super” products to choose from.

However, whilst many shoppers have become accustomed to ingredients such as quinoa and buckwheat, an increasing number of ingredients are emerging showcasing their super-capabilities. Below, we take a look at the new faces in superfoods and the products making the most of them.

Turmeric

Known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, turmeric is also used in traditional medicines in some parts of Asia. The ingredient has potential in functional food and drink products such as sports drinks, which could investigate turmeric as an aid to assist recovery from physical activity, as well as supplements looking to target seniors.

Turmeric Tamari Superfood + Almonds, Navitas Naturals, US

This grab-and-go snack combines turmeric with savory tamari and nutrient-rich almonds, claiming to deliver a new level of nutrition and flavour.

Oh So Chocolate Flavoured Milk Shake, Moo Shake, India

This UHT treated milk shake provides the goodness of turmeric to boost the immunity of children and does not contain added preservatives or synthetic flavours.

Moringa

The tiny moringa leaves are nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Linked to anti-ageing, because of its high concentration of the plant hormone zeatin, moringa is primarily used in skincare products. However, moringa is also linked to internal health, therefore holding vast potential as a beauty food ingredient.

Green Mylk, Luli Tonix, US

Luli Tonix Green Mylk is a dairy-free cashew beverage blended with raw spinach, boosted by the superfood moringa.

Herbal Soap, Hype Ardent Moringa-O² Malunggay, Philippines

Hype Ardent Moringa-O² Malunggay Herbal Soap is a herbal soap with moringa, said to help with anti-ageing and moisturising dry skin.

Ancient grains

Ancient grains offer alternatives to traditional wheat and come bundled with functional and nutritional components, whilst also providing new flavours and textures. Naturally gluten-free ancient grains, such as quinoa, amaranth, millet and teff, have proved popular as awareness of coeliac disease and gluten-intolerance grows.

Gluten-Free Supergrain Pasta Organic Corn & Quinoa Blend Shells, Ancient Harvest, US

A gluten-free supergrain pasta featuring a blend of organic corn and organic quinoa.

Ancient Grains Blend with Touch of Honey, Kellogg’s Origins, Puerto Rico

An ancient grain cereal made of crunchy flakes of wheat, brown rice and barley with crispy puffed pieces of Kamut brand khorasan wheat, spelt and quinoa.

Pulses

Dried beans or dried legumes, also known as pulses, are the darlings of nutritionists, recognised for their low fat, high protein, high fiber, nutrient density, and low-glycemic index. While the United Nations named 2016 as the International Year of the Pulse and pressure to up the nutritive value of processed foods continues to grow, pulses can help products re-build healthier reputations.

Zesty Ranch Bean + Kale Chips, The Good Bean Chips, Canada

Free from gluten and corn, this product claims to be a nutritious blend of chickpeas, navy beans, red lentils and pea protein, to which have been added the superfood kale.

Luscious Lentil Chips, The Wholesome Food Company, Australia

These lentil chips contain 85% less fat than potato chips, and less than 105 calories per serving.

Superseeds

Seeds’ small physical size does not stop them from being nutritional powerhouses, squeezing lots of nutrients into their compact structure. Nutrient dense seeds are a smart source of protein and fat. However, only some seeds offer ‘complete’ protein; blending seeds can help improve the quality of protein.

Pumpkin Seed Snack Bars, 9Bar Original Lift, France

This snack bar features super seeds, including sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds. This product is rich in fibre and contains magnesium, which helps reduce fatigue and contributes to a normal metabolism.

Creamy Chickpeas Soup with Hemp Seeds, Bontá Viva Nutri Più, Italy

This vegan pre-made chicken soup has added hemp seeds, which add protein and fibre to the soup.

Stephanie Mattucci is a Global Food Science Analyst at Mintel. Prior to Mintel, Stephanie worked as a Food Scientist in R&D for an ingredients company in Chicago, where she specialized in seasoning product development and provided technical expertise to customers in the food industry.