Superfood Powder: Does It Live Up to the Hype?
Every year, supplement companies churn out millions of pills, pastes, and powders touted to cure everything from hair loss to hiccups. This year, superfood powder is *that* product that will probably consume your next three paychecks. Before you do that, though, you should learn a little about what it is.
Superfood powder production is a $6 billion-dollar industry that’s projected to swell to more than twice its current size by 2030. Obviously, there’s a high demand for it, but what the heck is a superfood, and is superfood powder worth the hype?
Here’s what you need to know about superfood powder and whether it’s right for you.
What Is a Superfood?
According to Harvard School of Public Health, neither the FDA nor the scientific community uses the term superfood. However, it’s generally used to refer to low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods.
And since low-calorie, nutrient-dense food is great for your overall health, most “superfoods” are, in fact, good for you. However, keep in mind that just because these foods are “super” doesn’t mean they have superpowers. It’s still important to eat a balanced diet.
What About Superfood Powder?
Like most things in life, superfood powder has its pros and cons. For people who have an intense aversion to plant foods, or who don’t have time to prepare food, superfood powders can be a quick, easy, palatable option — and they’re certainly a better alternative to fast food.
That said, whole fruits and vegetables are the best source of fiber, and if you replace them with powder, you might not get enough. In addition to filling you up, fiber has tons of other health benefits, including lowering cholesterol levels, decreasing the risk of cancer and heart disease, and, most importantly, making you poop!
And if cholesterol, cancer, and constipation aren’t scary enough, consider the cost. Superfood powders generally come in small serving sizes, which means you’re not getting much of the good stuff per scoop. It’s both cheaper and healthier to just buy whole superfoods at your local supermarket.
How Do I Choose a Superfood Powder?
If the convenience of superfood powder outweighs its downsides, make sure you’re selecting the best possible products. Here are a few rules of thumb:
Look at the ingredients list. Many supplement companies will dilute their products with fillers or added sweeteners. Make sure your superfood powder only has the superfood(s) it claims to have, and nothing more.
Look for freeze-dried powders. A number of processes are used to create superfood powder, but freeze drying is the best at preserving nutrients.
Go organic. Non-organic produce may have pesticides or other harmful chemicals on it, which could end up in your superfood powder. Choose organic products where you can.
These tricks will help you ensure you actually get what you pay for. And remember: even the best superfood powder isn’t a panacea or a miracle cure. If a supplement company is making unrealistic claims, be wary of its product.
What Other Easy Ways to Improve my Diet?
While some brands of superfood powder provide real nutritional value, they are generally overhyped. Eating a wide variety of fruits and veggies every day will likely have the same benefits.
If powder mixed with water isn’t your cup of tea, try Outstanding Foods snacks for an easy (and a more palatable) way to get your daily dose of veggies. Our snacks are made from organic vegetables and 20 essential vitamins and nutrients. Plus, they also have really cool names and are way tastier than dried-out veggie powder.
Check out our store today to browse our Outstanding plant-based snacks!
