You’ve probably heard a lot about superfoods in the last few years. These are foods that are thought to be especially nutritionally dense and really, really good for you. Some examples of the most popular kinds include kale, blueberries, chia seeds, quinoa, acai, and salmon. In theory, superfoods are great, as we should all be striving to include healthy options in our diet every day — and superfoods are some of the healthiest. In actuality, though, they can be a little confusing, and sometimes completely off base.
In fact, there are a whole bunch of superfoods out there you’re wasting your money on.
This is partially because a superfood isn’t actually a thing. According to the American Heart Association, there is no set criteria for determining what is and what is not a superfood. They don’t have their own legitimate food group. One dietician told Live Science that “superfood” is really just a marketing term for healthy foods. This term can automatically make these foods more expensive for no real reason. You could be shelling out a lot of money for something that isn’t even as good for you as you think it is.
And unless you truly love eating it, what’s the point of that?
Below is a list of superfoods that aren’t worth all of the money you might be spending on them. While these aren’t bad for you, they also don’t have all of the health benefits and powers that many claim they have. If you’re looking for something really healthy, there are better — and cheaper — options out there.
1. Goji Berries
Goji berries are small, red-orange berries from Asia, where they are known to basically help you live forever. Goji berries are said to help with inflammation, fight cancer, and to improve vision and fertility. According to Shape, though, the berry is not rich in any one particular vitamin or mineral.
Prevention says that some studies have shown that goji berries can have health benefits in animals, but none have shown that in humans.
They’re pricey, and you can probably see the same benefits — and maybe more — in more common berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
2. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass looks and seems super healthy, and many people swear by taking shots of it. It contains nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, calcium, iron, and magnesium, as well as a whole bunch of chlorophyll. However, according to Shape, it isn’t as healthy as it comes off. It’s mainly touted as a way to cleanse your body, but as Shape points out, your liver does that on its own.
On top of that, there are some safety concerns that go along with a shot of wheatgrass.
It can cause side effects like headaches, nausea, hives, and constipation. Pregnant and nursing women aren’t even supposed to consume it — so it probably isn’t as healthy as you think. There are plenty of dark leafy greens that are much healthier than wheatgrass — and that taste better too.
3. Coconut Oil
If you’ve ever gone on Pinterest, then you might assume that coconut oil is the answer to every single one of your problems. It’s promoted as a healthier option than olive oil, it’s thought to be a great beauty product for both your skin and your hair, and some claim it aids with weight loss. But coconut oil is one superfood that is definitely overrated.
According to Health Direct, it’s made up of a lot of saturated fat, which is not a good thing, and can also raise levels of total cholesterol.
There is no evidence that coconut oil can help someone lose weight. While it’s not unhealthy, it’s certainly not the miracle worker it’s made out to be.
4. Matcha Lattes
Matcha lattes are super trendy right now, thanks to their bright hue that makes them perfect Instagram bait. They’re also pricey — and probably not worth it. Matcha is basically strong green tea. While it’s true that matcha itself is packed with antioxidants and has a lot of health benefits, matcha in latte form is not going to do you much good.
Most matcha lattes contain tons of sugar. Matcha on its own does not contain any sugar or calories, but the sugar is added to lattes to make it taste good and not bitter.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of matcha, make a cup yourself with unsweetened nut milk.
5. Pink Himalayan Rock Salt
If you follow any health bloggers on Instagram, you’ve probably seen them use Pink Himalayan rock salt. It’s pretty and it, supposedly, has more health benefits than regular salt. This salt is supposed to contain more minerals, balance the body’s pH levels, improve sleep, and regulate blood sugar. Because of this, it’s also a lot more expensive than regular salt. However, according to Health Direct, there’s no evidence that it has any of these benefits.
In fact, a public health nutritionist at The George Institute for Global Health who works with the World Health Organization told Health Direct, “There are no additional benefits to eating these ‘posh’ salts, as they are as detrimental to health as regular salt because of the sodium present.”
6. Acai Berries
Acai is another very trendy superfood. Acai bowls are pricey and can be found anywhere. You’ll also notice acai popping up in smoothies, juices, and yogurt. The berry is incredibly popular in Brazil, where it’s from, and you can find it in a variety of different forms, from powders to frozen pulp. Acai is said to have many benefits, including, but not limited to: curing allergies, boosting energy, improving sleep, aiding in weight loss, improving cholesterol levels, shielding against cancer, and boosting brain function.
The only thing is, according to Shape, there are no human studies to prove any of these things.
While it is definitely a healthy food, it might not be healthier than, say, blackberries or red grapes, and it will still cost more than both. Plus, a lot of acai bowls and smoothies have a ton of added sugar, so watch out.
7. Coconut Water
Like coconut oil, coconut water has been hailed as a nutritional powerhouse. It’s supposed to be an antioxidant, might help fight against diabetes, could prevent kidney stones, and basically acts as a natural sports drink that is filled with nutrients and electrolytes.
Coconut water isn’t unhealthy, but it isn’t particularly better than regular water, either.
According to Time, it is over-hyped, with more sugar than most fruit, but without the fiber. Time also says it’s usually mislabeled and overpriced.
8. Moon Juice Powders
LA juice brand Moon Juice sells “dust,” basically blended and dried herbs that are made into mixes that are supposed to do different things: there’s Beauty Dust, Sex Dust, Good Night Dust, Brain Dust, and and Action Dust. They’ll set you back at least $60 a pop, but they’re supposed to be super good for you.
At that price, they’re not worth it.
At least, it’s hard to prove that they are. While some of the ingredients are good for you, these mixes don’t produce dramatic results quickly, and it’s hard to know if the mix of herbs is actually getting any of the jobs done.
9. Green Drinks
Lately, it’s hard to go anywhere without seeing some form of green juice on the menu. Mixes of chard, fruits, and other powders are extremely popular and are supposed to be full of health benefits. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. For one thing, you don’t need a green juice to detox, as your liver cleanses your body on its own.
And since leafy greens don’t taste that great in juice form, many places add a lot of fruit and sugar.
Even without added sugary ingredients, juicing is known to destroy a lot of fiber and vitamins that you would normally get out of a healthy vegetable. If you’re going to have a green juice, make it yourself without a lot of sugar, but really, you might be better off with a salad.
10. Maca Powder
Among the many superfood powders out there, maca powder is one of the more popular ones. Maca is supposed to be packed full of nutrients, with side effects that include increased libido, increased fertility, the ability to reduce menopause symptoms, increased energy, and improved memory, among other things.
Is it really that powerful?
One nutritionist told Huffington Post that while it does have a lot of minerals, you don’t need maca powder, as it’s often very expensive.
11. Activated Charcoal
Weirdly enough, you can find activated charcoal in a lot of things these days, from toothpaste to water. It’s supposed to detoxify your body and is considered to be really good for you.
But honestly, you don’t need it.
Your body doesn’t need to be cleansed, and it doesn’t even taste good (IMHO).
12. Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is supposed to be packed with nutrients to relieve stress, increase energy, aid in weight loss, and even help with infertility problems. A lot of people sprinkle it over toasts, parfaits, and basically whatever they’re eating.
It’s also pricey! There are no studies that prove bee pollen does any of that stuff, and on top of that, it can be dangerous.
One dietician told the Huffington Post that it can cause a “severe allergic reaction in some individuals.”
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13. Chlorella
Chlorella is a blue-green algae that is supposed to have antioxidant benefits and boost energy. But like many other superfood powders, there isn’t any research that backs this up.
It’s also not cheap, at all.
It’s touted as a great source of protein, but you can get the same amount from other, less expensive options. One dietician told Global News that if you want the benefits of algae, you’re better off with spirulina.
14. Agave Nectar
Agave is often thought of as a healthier alternative to sugar.
That’s because it doesn’t have glucose, like regular sugar.
However, it does have fructose, which is another type of sugar. It’s essentially the same thing. You’re better off saving your money and just cutting down on sugar in general.
