Health Nutrition & Diet Healthy Eating The Top 10 Superfoods Right Now, According to Over 550 Registered Dietitians Plus, we've rounded up recipes, so you can add these superfoods to your diet. By Samantha Leffler Samantha Leffler Samantha is the senior food editor at RealSimple and previously launched the US Weekly food vertical, where she wrote about the intersection of food and pop culture. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 23, 2024 Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Kristy Del Coro is a registered dietitian nutritionist, RDN, and professionally trained chef with more than 10 years of experience in the field of culinary nutrition. Her strong background in nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and culinary education makes her exceptionally qualified to write about food that is good for us and the planet—while not sacrificing flavor. Learn More Fact checked by Isaac Winter Fact checked by Isaac Winter Isaac Winter is a fact-checker and writer for Real Simple, ensuring the accuracy of content published by rigorously researching content before publication and periodically when content needs to be updated. Highlights: Helped establish a food pantry in West Garfield Park as an AmeriCorps employee at Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center. Interviewed Heartland Alliance employees for oral history project conducted by the Lake Forest College History Department. Editorial Head of Lake Forest College's literary magazine, Tusitala, for two years. Our Fact-Checking Process Close Photo: Tanja Ivanova/Getty Images Want to know what healthy foods people have been raving about? Thanks to the Pollock Communications and Today's Dietitian annual "What's Trending in Nutrition" survey, we have all the intel on the food shopping and nutrition trends for 2024 and beyond—courtesy of insight from 564 registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). These experts weighed in on current food shopping habits, trending ingredients, dietary patterns, and more. The survey also revealed a list of the top 10 superfoods right now, which places a clear emphasis on plant-based foods that have myriad nutritional benefits and functional health benefits, especially when it comes to improving gut health and boosting immunity. "The 2024 superfoods and top purchase drivers demonstrate that gut health, while long discussed, is officially making its way into the mainstream among consumers, with no sign of slowing down," said Mara Honicker, publisher of Today's Dietitian, in a statement. "With the survey in its 12th year, we are excited to continue to share insights from experts in food and nutrition, at a time where immunity is strongly informing trends." The list below includes longtime favorites such as blueberries and avocados, as well as fermented foods like kimchi and yogurt, plus newcomers to the top 10 like mushrooms and pulses. Here's which superfoods to stock up on next time you hit the grocery store—and why they're so good for you. 7 Strategies to Form Healthy Eating Habits, According to RDs 01 of 10 Fermented Foods Natasha Breen/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Fermented foods such as yogurt and kimchi took the top spot, likely because of their immune- and gut-boosting benefits. According to researchers at the Stanford School of Medicine, a diet rich in fermented foods increases microbiome diversity and improves immune responses. To eat more fermented foods full of good-for-you probiotics, try homemade creamy yogurt or kimchi cabbage cakes. 02 of 10 Blueberries Arx0nt / Getty Images These fruits are small but mighty! Blueberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, which help protect your cells against damage from free radicals, and may help reduce your risk for serious health conditions like cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. Additionally, antioxidants are important for hair growth, strong nails, and healthy skin. Add blueberries to your diet simply by snacking on them straight out of the fridge, topping your morning yogurt, or baking them into a delicious blueberry cobbler. The 17 Healthiest Fruits to Eat, According to the Nutrition Pros 03 of 10 Seeds Sandy Huffaker/Corbis via Getty Images Seeds, like chia seeds and hemp seeds, are nutritional powerhouses. Chia seeds are packed with antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Per a 2016 study, the specific antioxidants in chia seeds may have anti-cancer properties and protective effects on the heart and liver. Chia seeds are also a great source of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which means they can support bone health. Try them in this vanilla-cinnamon chia pudding or toss them into a pesto rice and chia pilaf. 04 of 10 Avocados Westend61 / Getty Images This popular toast topper is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. In addition to being an excellent source of heart-healthy fats, avocados are loaded with antioxidants and other nutrients that help with cholesterol, bone density, skincare, eye health, and more. If you're not a fan of avocado toast, try blending an avocado in a smoothie instead. 05 of 10 Nuts Westend61 / Getty Images Nuts and nut butters are a terrific way to add protein, fiber, healthy fats, and other key nutrients to your diet. Pistachios, for example, are packed with antioxidants, including those that have been scientifically proven to promote eye health, and may help protect against cancer and heart disease. Need a reason to eat more pistachios? Try green risotto with pistachio pesto. 06 of 10 Green Tea KMNPhoto / Getty Images Green tea has been a popular beverage in many cultures for thousands of years, and with good reason. The colorful beverage is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, and according to studies, can help boost one's metabolic rate. The easiest way to add green tea to your diet is to simply drink a cup of it iced or hot, but you can also make green tea rice if you're looking for a nutrient-dense side. Popular Ingredients 07 of 10 Pulses Getty Images Pulses are a category of legumes—they're actually the edible seeds harvested from inside a legume plant (vs. other types of legumes that we eat whole, like soybeans, peanuts, and fresh peas). Examples of nutrient-dense pulses are lentils, beans, chickpeas, and split (or dried) peas. "[Pulses] are so nutrient-rich that they’re classified as both a protein and a vegetable in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” says Tracy Gensler, MS, RD, registered dietitian and science writer at Pollock Communications. For such tiny packages, pulses are loaded with plant protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, folate, and potassium. Snack on crispy, smoky, roasted chickpeas or make yourself a pot of warming lentil soup this week. 08 of 10 Mushrooms Getty Images Don't sleep on mushrooms—they are extremely nutritious, providing vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals, all of which benefit overall health in myriad ways. According to Gensler, mushrooms are "rich in fiber, selenium, potassium, and copper," plus "antioxidant compounds that help the body battle oxidative stress linked to tissue damage, chronic diseases and aging." Find creative and flavorful ways to eat more mushrooms with these 10 recipes. What's the Deal With Functional Mushrooms? Here Are 6 Types Worth Knowing About 09 of 10 Ancient Grains Westend61 / Getty Images The term "ancient grains" encompasses several grains that have stayed unchanged for thousands of years. These grains include amaranth, teff, farro, and quinoa. Quinoa is probably one of the most popular ancient grains; it's known for being loaded with fiber and contains all nine essential amino acids. This grain is a solid source of a variety of B vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. Add quinoa to your weekly dinner rotation courtesy of this quinoa bowl with sweet potatoes and kale. We Know Whole Grains Are Good for You, but These 13 Are the Healthiest 10 of 10 Salmon Getty Images If you haven't already, it's time to hop on the salmon train—your entire body (and brain!) will thank you. This fatty fish is full of omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein, so it's filling, tasty, and extremely good for you. To get a bit technical, Gensler explains that salmon contains two omega-3 fatty acids, "eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which benefit neurological health and cell membranes and can lower blood triglyceride levels." Keeping triglyceride levels low, LDL cholesterol low, and HDL cholesterol high can reduce the risk of heart disease—and a diet that includes salmon is a smart and delicious way to help you do that. Love spice? Try harissa baked salmon. Love smoked salmon for breakfast? Pile it high on a homemade skillet hash brown. 14 Superfoods to Stock in Your Pantry—and Recipes You Need to Know Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Real Simple is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. 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