Superfoods: A super impact on health and the environment?

Abstract

Given the current trend in superfoods consumption and the forecasts for their growth in the coming years, this article provides an overview of the three sustainability dimensions of the novel market, addressing consumers´ perception from a social and economic perspective, and focusing on their environmental performance. The review highlights the need for regulation and provision of well-designed information for consumers, among whom are segments that currently mistrust their health claims, which are mainly the motivating reason for consumption. On the other hand, the carbon footprint of superfoods production is similar to that of other conventional agri-foods, although distribution from the countries of origin and future changes to intensive and commercially-oriented production systems to meet demand could endanger this column of sustainability.