Superfoods are on everyone's lips – literally! Products like avocado, quinoa, and chia seeds have long since made their way from health food stores to muesli and menus. Even discount stores now offer a wide selection of these "miracle foods." But what does this boom actually mean for the environment and for us?


By definition, superfoods are nutrient-rich foods (although there is no precise definition) that are considered particularly healthy. They often originate from distant countries, as they are not native to Europe. However, the high demand for these products has far-reaching consequences for the growing regions and their inhabitants. A closer look at popular superfoods and their local alternatives shows why it's worth critically examining the hype.

Quinoa: From Andean grain to export hit

In recent years, quinoa consumption has exploded worldwide, leading to enormous price increases. Between 2009 and 2013, the price of this pseudo-cereal even increased tenfold! Demand has boosted the economy of most of the growing areas in Peru and Bolivia. But this boom also has a downside: Land once used to grow local staple foods is now almost exclusively available for quinoa cultivation. The consequences are serious: Prices for staple foods are rising, placing a burden on the local population.


Local alternative: millet
Instead of quinoa, millet is a nutrient-rich pseudocereal grown in Europe. With a similarly high protein content and twice the iron, millet is not only healthy, but also more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Chia seeds: trendy ingredient with side effects

Chia seeds have quickly established themselves as a popular superfood in Europe. Demand for these seeds, which are primarily cultivated in South America, has increased so dramatically that the area under cultivation has increased dramatically in just a few years. This not only leads to soil over-exploitation but also to inferior or counterfeit products entering the market. Furthermore, organic fields are often located next to conventional fields, making it easy for pesticides to contaminate organic products. Nevertheless, organic chia seeds remain the better choice when it comes to this superfood variant.


Local alternative: flaxseed
Flaxseeds offer a similar composition to chia seeds, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, and are usually locally grown. They are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.

Avocado: Popular superfood with high water consumption

The avocado has become one of the most sought-after superfoods, especially in Europe and the USA. But this demand comes at a price. Avocado cultivation requires enormous amounts of water – one kilogram of avocados requires approximately 1,000 liters of water! By comparison, one kilogram of potatoes, grown under normal rainfall conditions in Switzerland, requires only 8 liters of water. In growing countries like Mexico and Chile, the avocado boom has also led to deforestation to make room for plantations.

Local alternative: walnuts
Walnuts also contain healthy fats and antioxidants and are a more sustainable choice. While they're not as versatile in the kitchen as avocados, they provide valuable nutrients and are kind to the environment.

Goji berries, pomegranates, etc. – Do we need exotic superfoods?

Many other superfoods, such as goji berries, pomegranates, and moringa, have established themselves as nutrient-rich foods and are considered "miracle weapons" against free radicals and other health risks. However, there are often local alternatives that offer comparable benefits—while being more environmentally friendly.

  • Blueberries instead of goji berries: These regional berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins and provide similar nutrients to goji berries. They are available fresh and low in calories, especially in summer.

  • Kale instead of pomegranate: Kale is a vitamin bomb and contains a variety of antioxidants. It's an inexpensive, local alternative that's also available frozen.

  • Broccoli instead of moringa: Broccoli contains numerous vitamins and minerals and can be purchased in high quality almost year-round. It is especially rich in vitamin K.

  • Rapeseed oil instead of coconut oil: Rapeseed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and has excellent health benefits. Linseed oil and olive oil are also local alternatives with excellent nutritional values.

  • Sea buckthorn instead of acerola: Sea buckthorn contains a high amount of vitamin C and grows in many regions of Europe. Although its vitamin C content is somewhat lower than that of acerola, it is still very high and beneficial to health.

Conclusion: Sustainability comes first – superfoods from the region

Superfoods from overseas undoubtedly offer health benefits, but they often come at a high environmental price. The long journeys and intensive farming methods have impacts that aren't always compatible with a sustainable lifestyle. Fortunately, local foods also offer numerous nutrients and health benefits that are just as good as exotic superfoods.

So, if you shop carefully and choose regional alternatives, you can do something good for your health while simultaneously reducing your ecological footprint. Because sometimes the true "superpower" lies in tried-and-tested products – and without a great deal of environmental and climate impact.

von Laura Müdespacher