Almonds-
â€" High in protein and monounsaturated fats â€" Avg. weekly store sales in 2010: $159 Almonds are the most popular nut in America, partly because ... more
Almonds-
â€" High in protein and monounsaturated fats â€" Avg. weekly store sales in 2010: $159 Almonds are the most popular nut in America, partly because they are seen as diet-friendly. They are high in protein, making them a popular choice for consumers seeking nutritious snacks. While they are high in fat, it's mono-unsaturated fat, which is considered the “healthy†fat. Some research suggests that almonds help lower bad cholesterol. In addition, they are high in vitamin E and magnesium, providing heart-healthy benefits. According to Perishables Group, the average grocery store surveyed in the U.S. sold $159 dollars worth of almonds each week in 2010, about the same as in 2006. Sales in 2007 and 2008 were slightly higher. According to the Food and Agriculutral Organization of the United Nations, there were 846,131 tons of almonds produced in the U.S. in 2006 and more than 1.16 million tons in 2009. California produces 100 percent of the domestic almond crop. According the Almond Board of California, the U.S. is the largest market; approximately 30 percent of the domestic crop is sold here, while the remaining 70 percent is shipped internationally. less
Sales of superfoods have exploded in recent years as Americans look for easy ways to make their daily diet more healthy.
"Consumers are increasingly looking for healthful nutrients from foods rather than from supplements," says Bob Jones, a principal at Scientia Advisors.
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Superfoods are touted for their high nutrient content and disease-fighting properties. However, the health effects of these foods are controversial. While there is no set definition for superfoods, the term is often used for marketing purposes and there is little research on their health benefits.
What's happening, Jones explains, is consumers are increasingly looking for functionality in natural ways by eating yogurt instead of taking probiotics in capsules and eating fish instead of taking fish oil in capsules.
Superfoods, which come in the form of whole foods or drinks and juices, can provide affordable and convenient health and wellness options. Some, however, can be quite expensive.
"We are what we eat," says Elisabetta Poletti, director of nutrition at Duke Diet and Fitness Center in Durham, North Carolina. "There's an association between eating food that is wholesome and nutritious in our health."
Whole Foods tells CNBC it has seen a "renaissance" movement where customers are increasingly moving toward more healthy, less-processed foods. Here's a look at top-selling superfoods grown in the U.S., based on retail sales data from the Perishables Group, a fresh food industry consulting firm.
