When I first turned to healthy eating, I had absolutely no idea what superfood powders were. Even now, I still haven’t tried açai berry powder, or bee pollen for example, but I sure do know which powders I will continue to purchase and which I can live without.
I suppose this list is very much a personal choice, and your tastes may differ, but I’ve found over time that there are some powders I just don’t use, whether it’s because they just don’t taste good with many things, they’re unnecessarily expensive, or I genuinely feel no effect from them.
It’s always good to keep in mind that really, if you’re looking to be healthy, a varied diet of fresh, organic, local fruit and vegetables that are in season is your best bet. They’re cheap, and generally always available (whether it’s at your local farmer’s market, wholefoods store, or to order online), but it’s true that there’s nothing really chic about them like there is with superfood powders.
So, here’s my run-down of my favourite powders that I will continue to stock in my cupboard, and my favourite places to buy them too.
1. CACAO POWDER
This one is a no-brainer for me. I love cacao smoothies, and while I could go without the nibs, the powder itself has revolutionised my breakfasts and also hot chocolate. I go to Rise Organics for mine, as it is Soil Association approved, and they people who work there are just lovely too.
2. CHAGA MUSHROOM POWDER
It’s an odd one, and you’ve probably not come across it unless you saw my post on mushroom tea. Chaga mushroom powder can be taken dissolved into hot water, or added to cacao hot chocolate, but either way I know it’s really really good for me, and actually doesn’t taste half bad either. I go to Hybrid Herbs for this – they too are super nice!
3. MACA POWDER
There’s always the question whether new-fangled powders have the effects they say they do. And while I wouldn’t say maca is a genuine aphrodisiac, it does make me feel more awake, and also tastes delicious in my Chocolate and Peanut Butter smoothie bowl. I usually get this from Sevenhills Wholefoods as it’s organic and vegan.
4. BERRY POWDER
It does what it says on the tin – made from a lot of sweet red berries, it’s a delicious addition to oats, yoghurt, smoothies, or simply mixed up with water. I’d say this is more of a treat, but it is jam-packed with antioxidants, and I’m sure I could make a great raw cheesecake using this in the future. I get mine from Neal’s Yard Remedies.
5. MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER
You must know I’m tea crazy, so of course matcha is going to make it into my shortlist. While it might not taste great purely mixed into hot water (or perhaps that’s my sweet tooth talking), I do love it with a swig of almond milk and drop of agave syrup. Again, Hybrid Herbs is the place to go if you want high quality grade matcha for a good price.
As for other powders, while I do dabble with baobab, moringa, wheatgrass, spirulina, and more, I can’t say I’ve developed a relationship with them where I’ll repurchase in the future. I always think it’s worthwhile to be honest, and say that even if you see a recipe with a superfood powder or two that you don’t have in your cupboard, you can probably get away with making it sans said powder. Don’t feel like you have to go out and buy these – superfood powders are non-essential to a plant-based diet.
