The Environmental Impact of “Superfoods”

“Superfoods” is a term coined by the United Fruit Company to market bananas in the early 1900s and does not have a scientific definition (UC Davis). In the twenty-first century, the term connotes incredible health benefits following consumption, whether well-proven or simply marketed as so. With the public turning toward health-conscious diets and intentional eating, a “superfood” is an appealing promise. Some select trending superfoods are quinoa, chia seeds, moringa, seaweed, blueberries, and ginger. These foods are put under the limelight for promoting health, with influencers even promising the magical and improbable outcomes of obtaining the perfect figure, reducing bloating, and achieving perfect, glass-like skin. While popular superfoods promote a healthy diet, putting them onto a skyrocketing pedestal has its consequences as well.

As we consider sustainability through an interdisciplinary perspective, it is integral to evaluate the three widely accepted branches of sustainability: environment, social health, and economy. To uplift and foster a sustainable world means to cultivate each of these pillars equally and abundantly. In the case of superfoods, the focus on social health and bodily health overshadows the environmental and economic aspects of their production and distribution.

There has been an increase in demand for superfoods because society is placing a greater emphasis on health awareness. In 2021, the superfood market was valued at $152 billion and is expected to increase by 41% in the following six years (Fernández-Ríos et al., 2023). Tsunamis of praise for superfoods saturate the internet to pressure audiences to buy these products. While it is important to be health-conscious and maintain a diet that fuels lively lifestyles, the narrative around superfoods has been one-dimensional; social media lacks a well-rounded sustainability perspective.

One of the pillars of sustainability is the economic factor that determines if a product is viable and accessible to the population based on their income, willingness to pay, and product price. Superfood consumption is attributed to a social distinction influenced by income, education, and culture (Groeniger et al., 2017). 24% of consumers noted that price is a decisive factor when purchasing food, making price a barrier to the perceived health benefits of superfoods. Higher socioeconomic tiers are generally more health-conscious and have financial access to superfoods, illuminating the inequalities and socioeconomic disparities of nutrition and dietary intake (Fernández-Ríos et al., 2023). A mindset shift must occur to restructure public perception of superfoods. Instead of deeming them as miracle ingredients that promise longevity and health, communities should adopt a growth mindset that places health in an interdisciplinary realm. The main goal of the agricultural industry should be to achieve food security and justice. If the ingredient is not financially accessible, it is not sustainable and therefore should not be considered “super.” The aim of superfoods as a concept is to promote sustainable health, but this cannot be a reality if financial barriers and location prevent communities from purchasing them.

Additionally, the environmental dimension of production, distribution, and consumption must be considered when labeling a product as a “superfood.” Along with aiming to achieve food security, we must promote climate action and environmental sustainability. A study published in 2025 illustrates the environmental impacts of adding superfoods to various diets. While superfoods were found to increase the nutritional quality in the Mediterranean, vegan, and Healthy Eating Plate diets, many environmental burdens increased as well. Greenhouse gas emissions, land use, marine eutrophication, and freshwater eutrophication increased following the addition of superfoods. Interestingly, they analyzed the nutritional and environmental factors together and found that in some cases, superfoods could alleviate water scarcity in diets, leading to a competing narrative (Fernández-Ríos et al., 2025). Other researchers have developed life-cycle assessments of superfoods and concluded that some superfoods have high carbon footprints due to their processing, but others have carbon footprints similar to conventional products and do not significantly affect environmental impacts (Fernández-Ríos et al., 2023). However, most life-cycle assessments do not consider the distribution of superfoods, neglecting an important aspect of sustainability, food security, and environmental justice. In summary, studies measuring the environmental impacts of superfoods are not standardized and produce results that represent generalized trends. While more research must be conducted to determine the environmental sustainability of superfoods, these preliminary studies provide insights into the systems of food production that could support sustainable agriculture. For example, superfoods that are distributed non-locally decrease environmental sustainability, while switching protein sources to a less water-intensive plant increases environmental sustainability. In this way, there are a plethora of factors that must be considered to determine a superfood’s environmental impact.

A case study on avocados illustrates the measured environmental impact of a selected superfood and how past trends can predict the trajectory of environmental burdens when an agricultural product is in high demand. Avocados are nutrient-dense with over 20 vitamins and minerals, monounsaturated fats, potassium, and fiber. They support a balanced diet that can lower LDL cholesterol, fuel necessary bacteria in the digestive system, and reduce the risk of stroke (Emory, 2018). Primarily grown in Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Chile, avocado exports have grown by 1,000% in ten years. In Mexico, the land used to grow avocados increased by 40% and led to massive deforestation, threatening monarch butterfly populations that migrate to the eradicated forest areas. Additionally, the use of freshwater and agrochemicals strains local communities, particularly in Chile, one of the top water-strained countries in the world. Furthermore, avocado farmers in Mexico are extorted by dangerous drug cartels. The avocado superfood fixation resulted in deforestation, water usage, agrochemical usage, biodiversity impacts, and greenhouse gas emission burdens. These consequences are also illustrated by case studies conducted on coconuts, cacao, quinoa, açaí, and almonds, several popular superfoods that are in high demand. Coffee production has caused massive deforestation and high carbon footprints, demonstrating a history of environmental burdens as a result of surging popularity. Superfoods are following the same trend and continue to risk unsustainable food production and ecosystem degradation (Magrach & Sanz, 2020). Communities have been sustainably sourcing these ingredients throughout history, but skyrocketing global demand for these ‘exotic’ superfoods strains the environment and the local communities responsible for harvesting the commodities.

To address the environmental impacts of superfoods, regulations must be implemented to improve production practices and sustainable intensification of popular crops (Magrach & Sanz, 2020). One avenue to consider is the adoption of agroecological practices, which entail a holistic approach to farming that emphasizes ecological relationships and sustainable social principles (Soil Association). A shift away from the profit-seeking pyramid mindset can welcome a perspective that supports local farmers and the planet. Currently, the environmental and socio-economic research on superfoods is not proportional to their popularity and increase in consumption. There must be more evidence for health claims that will dispel false information and promote scientifically supported marketing. To continue prioritizing health while uplifting environmental justice, we should consider local alternatives to inaccessible superfoods that are grown in the United States (Bastyr University, 2024):

Acai berries → Blueberries
Avocados → Walnuts
Quinoa → Oats & Seasonal Vegetables

Global consumers must shift their perspective to consider the environmental and socio-economic impact of popular commodities. Food should only be considered “super” if it uplifts health and supports communities and the planet.

 

 

References

“4 Environmentally Friendly Alternatives to ‘Superfoods’  | Bastyr University.” Bastyr.edu, 28 Feb. 2024, bastyr.edu/about/news/4-environmentally-friendly-alternatives-superfoods. Accessed 7 May 2025.

Fernández-Ríos, Ana, et al. “Environmental and Nutritional Performance of ‘Superfood’-Enriched Diets: A Comparative Analysis of Three Dietary Recommendations.” Environmental Impact Assessment Review, vol. 112, Mar. 2025, p. 107860, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107860. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

—. “Superfoods, a Super Impact on Health and the Environment?” Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Nov. 2022, p. 100410, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coesh.2022.100410.

Magrach, Ainhoa, and María José Sanz. “Environmental and Social Consequences of the Increase in the Demand for ‘Superfoods’ World‐Wide.” People and Nature, edited by Jim Harris, vol. 2, no. 2, Apr. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10085.

Morgan, Whit. “Superfoods: The Avocado – Emory | Healthy Aging Study.” Emory | Healthy Aging Study, 19 Feb. 2018, healthyaging.emory.edu/superfoods-the-avocado/.

Oude Groeniger, Joost, et al. “Does Social Distinction Contribute to Socioeconomic Inequalities in Diet: The Case of ‘Superfoods’ Consumption.” International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, vol. 14, no. 1, Mar. 2017, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-017-0495-x.

Soil Association. “What Is Agroecology? .” Www.soilassociation.org, 2024, www.soilassociation.org/causes-campaigns/a-ten-year-transition-to-agroecology/what-is-agroecology/.

Staab, Josh. “What Makes Superfood so Super?” UC Davis, 10 Mar. 2021, www.ucdavis.edu/food/news/what-makes-superfood-so-super.