What are superfoods and what does the term really mean?

What are superfoods?

The term "superfoods" has been used in recent years for foods such as goji berries, spirulina, chia, and matcha.
It is neither a scientific nor a legal term.
There is no official list or criteria that makes a food a "superfood.".
It is mainly a marketing term, describing foods with a special flavor, intense color, or interesting nutritional composition.

Where did the term come from?

The word appeared in the early 20th century in food advertisements and became popular again in the early 2000s, with the spread of foods like acai and goji berries.
Since then, it has been included in packaging, display cases, and posters, often without explaining what it exactly means.

What the law says about superfoods

In the European Union, health claims on foods are only permitted if they have been approved and included in an official list (Regulation (EC) 1924/2006).
The word "superfood" is considered a general reference to health benefits and is only allowed if accompanied by a specific, approved claim.
Furthermore, no food may be presented as curing or preventing disease.
That's why, at Μπακαλόκαρπος, we describe our products based on what they are, how they taste, and how we use them.

What foods are commonly called superfoods?

Fruits and berries

Goji berries, cranberries, sea buckthorn, pomegranate and chokeberry.
We find most of them dried, for snacks, yogurt, and sweets.

Seeds and nuts

Chia, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, almonds and walnuts.
They go into breakfast, breads, salads and bars.

Powders

Spirulina, moringa, wheatgrass, maca, matcha and raw cacao.
They are used in small quantities in smoothies, drinks and desserts.

Greek materials

Many ingredients of Greek cuisine enter the same discussion: honey, olive oil, legumes, sea buckthorn, capers, carob and mastic.
They are ingredients that we have been eating for centuries, without needing a label.

How to use them in cooking

Start with what you like in taste and not the label.
A teaspoon of chia or flaxseed in yogurt, a handful of goji berries in oatmeal, or a little cocoa powder in a smoothie are enough to try something new.
The powders have a strong flavor, so we add them in small quantities and combine them with fruit.
If you are taking medication, pregnant, or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before adding herbal or seaweed powders to your diet.

Frequently asked questions

Are superfoods better than other foods?;

There is no one food that makes a difference on its own.
What counts is the variety and balance of the diet overall.

Where can I find such products?;

At Μπακαλόκαρπος you will find seeds, dried fruits, powders and traditional Greek products, in the store in Kypseli and online.

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