There’s always a lot of talk about superfoods in Australia. But is the hype worth it? What’s the fuss about?
Foods aren’t given the ‘superfood’ status because they have super powers. Instead, the label is generally given to foods that have high levels of nutrients.
So while there’s definitely hype attached to this buzzword, so-called superfoods are actually worth paying attention to. Also known as functional foods, there’s now a wide range of superfoods available in Australia for you to really get excited about.
Here are just some of our top picks to get you started.
Protein powder with the addition of superfoods
Protein powder sure has come a long way. Depending on your preference, you can now buy quality plant-based and whey-based protein powders - the perfect addition to any smoothie! Some of the protein powders found in the market today even include different superfoods that add both flavour and additional nutritional benefits.
Whip up a protein superfood smoothie with these tasty options. It’s important to note that not all protein powders are created equal, and depending on whether they are plant-based or animal derived will impact their relative nutrition profile including, absorption of protein, the relative amount of individual amino acids, and digestion rate.
Hemp & Be Hemp Protein Powder - Raw
What’s so good about hemp as a superfood? Hemp seeds are packed with dietary fibre, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and protein. Sounds like the ideal base for a protein powder. This one is made from 100% Australian hemp and contains 52% plant protein.
Amazonia Raw Protein Isolate Vanilla
When proteins are sprouted and fermented, like in the Amazonia Raw Protein Isolate, they have an enhanced nutritional profile. This protein powder is also boosted with bromelain to enhance the bioavailability of the ingredients, while also having a complete amino acid profile. Superfood high fives all around.
Bare Blends Bare Whey WPI
With very little lactose, fats and carbohydrates, Bare Blends Bare Whey WPI is high in protein – with 27g per serve, thank you very much – and gentle on the stomach. The way this is made from ultra-filtered freshly skimmed milk also helps to retain the highest possible nutrient density in the protein powder.
Inca Organics Organic Protein Hemp + Cacao Superfood Powder
You’ve read about the benefits of hemp, but this delicious protein powder also includes cacao – a superfood in itself that’s high in polyphenols and antioxidants. Inca Organics combines both cacao and hemp protein in this superfood powder to ensure it’s also packed with extra nutrients.
Acai and maca
Other than being super delicious, acai and maca powders contain beneficial nutrients. These are our top acai and maca picks.
Nutra Organics Acai Berry Blend
Acai is known as a superfood berry of sorts, with antioxidant properties. Nutra Organics Acai Berry Blend is high in vitamin C and contains a mix of other berries, including blueberry, cranberry and raspberry. Add this acai powder to smoothies, make your own acai bowls or sprinkle over yoghurt and into bliss balls.
Power Super Foods Maca
What does maca powder have? Fibre, vitamin C, iron, calcium and a range of essential amino acids for a start. But here’s another fun fact: there’s evidence to suggest that maca root may also boost libido. Power Super Foods Maca is harvested by hand and sun-dried, to keep nutrients and freshness uncompromised. Maca Powder is a perfect addition to cereals, smoothies, yoghurt, juice or any mixed into baked goods.
Greens and reds
These powders contain a blend of vegetables and fruits to help support your daily intake. You can add to a smoothie or simply mix them into water for a daily dose of deliciousness and nutrition.
Melrose Organic Essential Greens
With 100% organic green powders, this is a nutrient-rich superfood blend. The combination of wheatgrass, barley grass, chlorella and spirulina provides chlorophyll, carotenes, folate, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. That’s a whole lot of green goodness in just one teaspoon.
Nutra Organics Clean Greens Straight Up
Designed to support optimal wellbeing, Nutra Organic Clean Greens Straight Up contains eight super greens, including barley grass, wheatgrass, spirulina, alfalfa grass, chlorella and kelp. It’s a source of magnesium, calcium, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin B12 in a simple wholefood powder.
Nutra Organics Super Greens + Reds
When greens aren’t enough, the Nutra Organics Super Greens Reds will hit the spot. It’s a wholefood blend packed with 23 nourishing greens and reds. Think kale, broccoli, spinach and alfalfa with the added fruit cocktail of blueberry, acai, raspberry and pomegranate. It also contains maca and sprouted and fermented pea protein for that extra protein kick.
Chia, hemp and cacao
Go wild with adding them to your baking, mixing them into your breakfast or enjoying them as a snack, because chia, hemp and cacao are three great superfoods to add into your diet.
Essential Hemp Organic Hemp Seeds Hulled
Unlike other nuts and seeds, hemp seeds are easy to digest without the need for soaking. Essential Hemp Organic Hemp Seeds are hulled and contain 10 essential amino acids, as well as omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 and GLA essential fatty acids.
Power Super Foods Chia Seeds
If you’re wondering how to eat chia seeds, they’re a super versatile ingredient. Add them to smoothies, sprinkle them over yoghurt or soak them overnight to make a chia pudding for breakfast. The Power Super Foods Chia Seeds are 100% raw and vegan-friendly.
Macro Organic Cacao Nibs
Just like chocolate chips but made from crushed cacao beans and nothing else. Super crunchy, mix them through cakes, add them to bliss balls, sprinkle them over smoothie bowls or stir them through yoghurt for a crisp cacao crunch.
Foods for a super you
Superfoods certainly contain desirable nutrients that you want in your diet. But it’s still important to follow the Australian Dietary Guidelines. These recommend that you eat a variety of nutritious foods from each of the five food groups each day.
Keen to learn more about simple ways you can get more of the good stuff into your diet? Sign up for one of our free ways to eat programs and get practical and actionable tips delivered right to your inbox.
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Reviewed by the healthylife Advisory Board May 2022.
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