Basically, superfood is a buzzword. The marketing term refers to foods that are considered particularly valuable and health-promoting due to their high content of certain nutrients. In other words, foods that provide an overall "super" service to the performance and immune system of those who eat them. The term itself is not scientifically defined and there is no official list of superfoods.
Many foods commonly referred to as superfoods contain many vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidants. They potentially offer more health benefits through their ingredients than other foods and have been linked to improved health, weight loss and even disease prevention. It's no wonder, then, that restaurant-goers are increasingly targeting these healthy treats.
Superfoods are often perceived as rather exotic and rare. This is not true per se - because even quite classic foods such as fish or broccoli can rightly be considered superfoods. However, it is true that among the superfoods there are also a few rather exotic candidates, which are often also associated with a higher purchase price for gastro operators. Below, we take a look at a few specific superfood examples:
What are included in superfoods?
There are a variety of foods that are referred to as superfoods. These include:
- Berries and fruits: acai berries, goji berries, blueberries, avocado ...
- Grains, seeds and seeds: Nuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, quinoa, hemp seeds, amaranth, pomegranate seeds ...
- Vegetables: spinach, broccoli, kale ...
- Algae: Spirulina, Chlorella ...
- Other: dark chocolate, turmeric, green tea, garlic, moringa ...
Eating superfoods like goji berries and quinoa can help meet your nutritional needs in an efficient way. Superfoods not only provide essential vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, fiber and minerals, but also antioxidants that can reduce inflammation in the body and protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
However, superfoods also look good on the menu for other reasons: many superfoods have high protein content and can keep blood sugar levels steady throughout the day. Health-conscious diners, in particular, are turning to these nutrient-rich foods to help control their weight. After all, many superfoods contain few calories but plenty of nutrients. This suppresses cravings and satisfies for a long time.
Which superfood should you offer your guests?
No one superfood is generally considered the healthiest because each superfood has its own specific benefits and nutrients. Some are rich in antioxidants that protect the body from free radical damage, while others have a high concentration of vitamins and minerals that are essential for optimal health. Guests who value a healthy menu will therefore be pleased to see a changing selection of healthy ingredients and dishes.
Some superfoods, such as fish, also contain omega-3 fatty acids. They have an anti-inflammatory effect and can reduce the risk of heart disease and other health problems. Ultimately, the choice of appropriate superfoods is entirely up to you as a foodservice operator. Try different dishes and observe how your guests react to them.
It also pays to effectively communicate the benefits of the new superfood offering to the outside world. Let your guests know about the delicious opportunity to naturally give their bodies an extra dose of healthy nutrients.
5 Steps to adding superfoods to your menu.
Adding superfoods to your menu doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming! Here are some tips to get you started:
- Start small. You don't have to add every trendy superfood to your menu. Include one or two dishes in your offerings and gradually expand them depending on the reaction of your clientele.
- Combine the new superfoods with the tried-and-true: add blueberries to your oatmeal, for example. Or combine salmon with a salad. For unusual taste experiences, it's also worth taking a look at fusion cuisine, where different country cuisines come together.
- Experiment with new recipes as you go. You can find current inspiration on social media, for example, where new food trends spread particularly quickly.
- Offer superfoods as small snacks, too. You don't need a large kitchen for this: as the owner of a bar, you can try it with a homemade trail mix with nuts and dried fruits, for example. For your small bistro, simpler recipes such as apple with almond butter are great.
- Smoothies are the quintessential healthy food trend! Blend spinach, bananas, and other ingredients to easily get multiple servings of fruits and vegetables in one drink! Your guests will appreciate the healthy refreshment.
Conclusion: Don't be afraid of superfoods in gastronomy!
Superfoods may sound exotic at first. But integrating them into everyday restaurant life is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. With just a few simple changes to the menu, you can attract health-conscious guests. Another advantage is that most superfoods are vegetarian or vegan - so you can meet your guests' sustainability requirements. To match, the BioPak range includes eco-friendly food packaging and more for your green takeaway or delivery service.
