superfood
Marketed health booster
Superfood is a marketing term for foods claimed to have exceptional nutritional benefits—typically fruits, vegetables, or grains dense in vitamins, antioxidants, or other desirable compounds: Kale and blueberries are popular superfoods.
The term has no scientific or regulatory definition; nutritionists often dismiss it as hype that overpromises what any single food can deliver.
Loose-leafed cabbage relative
- quinoaEdible seed from Andes
- acaiPurple palm berry
- gojiLycium plant berry
- chiaNutritious Central American seed
matcha · spirulina · moringa · maca · cacao · turmeric · blueberries · pomegranate
Essential organic nutrients
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- omega-3Polyunsaturated dietary fat
- fiberPlant-based digestive aid
- proteinFolded amino chain
iron · magnesium · zinc · potassium · calcium · selenium · enzymes · probiotics
Sourced from flora
macrobiotic · gluten-free · nutritionist · fiber-rich · heart-healthy · anti-inflammatory · detox · meal-prep
Power to do work
- staminaCapacity for sustained effort
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
- vigorActive physical strength
- rejuvenationRestoration of youthful vigor
wellness · longevity · immunity · resilience · strength · metabolism · recovery · youthfulness
Direction of change
- buzzwordTrendy jargon, often hollow
- hypeExaggerated promotional fanfare
- labelIdentifying attachment or marker
- nutraceuticalHealth-benefit food product
premium · exotic · cure-all · influencer · branding · packaging · powder · supplement
Lacking chemical pest treatments
- non-GMOWithout genetic modification
- biodynamicAgriculture following cosmic cycles
- sustainableAble to endure long-term
- ecofriendlyNot harmful to nature
heirloom · unprocessed · cold-pressed · raw · unrefined · natural · chemical-free · farm-to-table
Polyphenolic plant metabolites
- polyphenolsPlant-derived antioxidant compounds
- catechinsPolyphenolic tea compounds
- lycopeneRed carotenoid pigment
- beta-caroteneOrange plant pigment
quercetin · lutein · glutathione · phytochemicals · anti-aging
kale
Loose-leafed cabbage relative
chia · matcha · spirulina · moringa · maca · cacao · turmeric · blueberries · pomegranate · avocado
vitamins
Essential organic nutrients
protein · iron · magnesium · zinc · potassium · calcium · selenium · enzymes · probiotics · collagen
plant-based
Sourced from flora
alkaline · macrobiotic · gluten-free · nutritionist · fiber-rich · heart-healthy · anti-inflammatory · detox · meal-prep
energy
Power to do work
rejuvenation · wellness · longevity · immunity · resilience · strength · metabolism · recovery · youthfulness · life-force
trend
Direction of change
- buzzwordTrendy jargon, often hollow
- hypeExaggerated promotional fanfare
- labelIdentifying attachment or marker
nutraceutical · premium · exotic · cure-all · influencer · branding · packaging · powder · supplement · capsule
pesticide-free
Lacking chemical pest treatments
- non-GMOWithout genetic modification
- biodynamicAgriculture following cosmic cycles
- sustainableAble to endure long-term
ecofriendly · heirloom · unprocessed · cold-pressed · raw · unrefined · natural · chemical-free · farm-to-table · regenerative
flavonoids
Polyphenolic plant metabolites
- polyphenolsPlant-derived antioxidant compounds
- catechinsPolyphenolic tea compounds
- lycopeneRed carotenoid pigment
beta-carotene · quercetin · lutein · glutathione · phytochemicals · anti-aging
- "super" wordssuperhero, superstar, superman, superwoman, supersize
- nutrition termscalorie, high protein, balance, low-fat, low fat
- wellnesshealthy, wellness, fitness, exercise, nutrition
- food trendsfusion, cronuts, oat milk, kombucha, cauliflower rice
- Health trendsgym rat, vegan, vegetarian, juice cleanse, fitness tracker
- dietsvegan, ketogenic, vegetarian, keto, Atkins diet
superfoodjunk food
Low-nutrition processed snacks
empty calories · processed food · fast food · Twinkies · candy
superfoodjunk food
Low-nutrition processed snacks
unhealthy food · poison · health hazard · frankenfoods · comfort food