Offal, insects and red algae are just some of the latest superfoods predicted to take 2017 by storm. Online retailer Musclefood.com has compiled a list of 17 foods that are set to sweep the nation this year, ranging from the exotic kakadu plum to raw cacao nibs.
The list includes healthy natural alternatives to sugar, a new super fruit and the next nutritious pasta substitute.
Less popular animal parts, often discarded as offal, also make the list with many having nutritional benefits and offering great value.
Many items will already be familiar to shoppers, such as tilapia, turmeric and macadamia nuts. Some of the lesser-known items on the list include pea protein, maca powder and goji berries which all contain high amounts of iron and important vitamins.
Darren Beale of Musclefood.com said: “Customers are becoming far more adventurous with their eating habits, and we’re expecting that trend to continue in 2017.
“Offal may not sound appetising at first thought, but organ meats like calf liver and beef brain pack tonnes of important health benefits, so it’s great to see people are taking the plunge and trying new things.
“It’s really great to see that the stigma surrounding the consumption of insects is finally vanishing, as they’re a highly sustainable source of protein.
“Some items listed like macadamia nuts and turmeric have been household names for a while, but it’s also good to see some new exciting items on the list like the kakadu plums and red algae.”
Last year the retailer made national headlines after highlighting black pudding as a potential new superfood.
Mr Beale continued: “Every year we’re surprised by what new exciting foods people are eating, and its great to see that 2017 is not looking like an exception.”
Here are the sites predictions for which superfoods will be a hit in 2017:
1. Red Algae
Known affectionately as ‘bacon flavoured seaweed’, red algae is the latest superfood that allows people to eat healthy without sacrificing taste.
2. Kakadu Plum
Also known as Gubinge, these tart, tangy fruits are a rich natural source of vitamin C and contain approximately 100 times more of the antioxidant than an orange.
3. Offal
Offal could be the next superfood champion of 2017, as it is a great source of vitamins, amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids. Offal such as beef and pork hearts, liver, brain, kidney and other organs are also packed full of iron and essential anti-oxidants. What’s more they are cheap too – ask any butcher and you’ll go home with a bag full of offal and still have change from a fiver.
4. Turmeric
Last year saw turmeric become an increasingly popular household spice, but it really looks set to explode in 2017 thanks to the healthy compound curcumin it contains.
5. Goji Berries
Also known as a ‘wolfberry’, Goji berries have been steadily growing in popularity in recent years. It contains a multitude of vitamins and minerals, such as iron and vitamin’s A, C and B2.
6. Bone Broth
Chances are you’ve seen this in supermarkets and been put off by the name, but bone broth actually has incredible flavour and contains essential minerals and protein.
7. Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar offers more vitamins and minerals that white sugar, as well as added iron and zinc.
8. Insects
Insects rapidly became an important and sustainable food source towards the end of 2016. Just 100g of crickets contain 214 per cent more protein than 100g of chicken breast meat.
9. Pea Protein
Pea protein looks set to become 2017’s whey protein alternative, and as well as being both dairy and gluten free it is 100 per cent vegan friendly.
10. Black Bean Pasta
2015 had courgette spaghetti, 2016 had soybean fettuccine, now 2017 looks set to be the year of the black bean pasta craze. Unlike standard spaghetti black bean pasta is high in protein and fibre.
11. Raw Cacao Nibs
Raw cacao nibs are great source of iron, fibre and magnesium, making them a great ingredient for desserts or just as a healthy snack.
12. Goat Meat
Goat meat typically contains more iron and less fat than beef, pork and lamb, and is already consumed across the globe. 2017 looks set to be the year that Britain follows suit.
13. Tilapia
Tilapia is associated with a number of health benefits, including boosting metabolism, building strong bones, preventing arthritis and reducing signs of ageing.
14. Maca Powder
Maca powder is a great natural resource of vitamins, boasting large amounts vitamins B, C, and E as well as calcium, zinc and iron to name a few.
15. Buckwheat noodles
Buckwheat noodles contain no actual wheat and are the ideal replacement for any noodle-based dish.
16. Avocado Oil
Packed nutrients such as vitamin E that does wonders for your skin, avocado oil looks set to keep avocados high of peoples shopping lists in 2017.
17. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts have a sweet taste and are a terrific source of energy. They also contain large amounts of vitamin A and iron, as well as zinc and calcium.