You likely already know that superfoods like chia seeds, flax, and spirulina are good for your health—but did you know that they’re a vital part of your little one’s growth and development, too? 

While the term “superfoods” itself is a bit vague, it generally refers to whole foods and ingredients that pack a greater-than-average nutritious punch when it comes to the health benefits they offer to the people (and babes!) that consumes them.

But not all superfoods are created equally! Different ingredients offer varied health benefits, ranging from amino acids to antioxidants to soluble fiber—all of which can help keep your kiddo healthy, happy, and strong. 

If it sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. We’re here to break down the world of superfoods so that you can start incorporating them into your whole family’s diet, starting with your littlest ones! 

And we know what you’re thinking—feed my kids a diet rich in superfoods? Sounds expensive…and time consuming. But that’s where Little Spoon comes in. All of our Babyblends and Plates are made with quality, affordability, and ease in mind, so that you don’t have to choose between what’s healthy for your kiddo and what’s easy for you. 

Let’s run through a few of our absolute favorite superfood ingredients, which are incorporated into many of Little Spoon’s delicious Babyblends and Plates so your kiddo’s can reap those super benefits, too.  

Chia seeds: You may have seen chia seeds pop up in your favorite granola bars and smoothie bowls, but do you know the secret behind this mighty little ingredients’ superpower? In addition to being loaded with fiber, protein, and a variety of minerals, chia seeds also contain an impressive amount of heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower risk of heart disease and diabetes. 

You can find chia seeds in Little Spoon’s Strawberry Basil Gazpacho blend—strawberries and chia seeds pack a double nutritional punch in this blend that’s full of antioxidants! 

Flaxseed: Flaxseeds and oils have been cooking powerhouses for centuries—hailing all the way back to Ancient Greece—thanks to their status as a nutritional powerhouse ingredient. Similarly to chia seeds, flaxseed contains fiber and omega-3 fatty acids—but it also lends a great dose of B vitamins, and antioxidants to any dish, whether sprinkled on top or ground into a fine powder. Give your little one a dose of flax in our Sweet Potato Blueberry Flax Muffin!

Hemp seeds: Mildly nutty, protein-packed hemp seeds are chock full of two essential fatty acids—omega-3 and omega-6, which can reduce risk of heart disease and relieve skin disorders like eczema and chronically dry skin. While most of the superfoods on our list boast high protein counts, hemp’s especially impressive in this category, containing nearly one and a half times as much protein per calorie as flaxseed or chia seeds.  

For bigger kids, you can find omega-rich hemp seeds listed amongst the ingredients in our delicious and nutritious turkey meatballs in our Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs. 

Spirulina: Time to leave the world of seeds to introduce a nutrition superhero that dwells under the sea! Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that contains beta-carotene (great for little developing eyes!), vitamin E, zinc, copper, iron, B vitamins, and so much more. Studies have shown that spirulina may boost the immune system and help protect against allergic reactions, as well—both super important factors for a growing body. 

Quinoa: The tiny quinoa seed (yes, it’s a seed!) is a great, easily-digestible source of plant-based protein for little growing bodies, and also provides a ton of fiber, essential amino-acids, iron, and antioxidants. 

We’re big quinoa fans over here, so you’ll find it in a wide variety of of our Blends and Plates, including our Kale and Squash Harvest Bowl blend, our Quinoa Raspberry Pudding blend, and our Chicken Pot Stickers, where protein powerhouse quinoa replaces the traditional rice in the nutrient-packed stir fry that accompanies this meals showstopper: crispy, crunchy pot stickers. 

Berries: Don’t let the seeds and good fats steal the show—the humble berry has superpowers, too! Blueberries, for example, are loaded with antioxidants, potassium, and vitamin C, which can help our babes fight inflammation and boost immunity. 

The strawberries in our Strawberry Basil Gazpacho give babies a super dose of antioxidants and vitamin C to help support immunity and eyesight.

Millet: Millet, like quinoa, is a superfood grain that’s rich in antioxidants, which helps fight off disease and boost immunity. It’s often more affordable than quinoa, which is another pro—this time, for your wallet.

You’ll find superfood superstar millet in our Sweet Potato Carrot Poppers served with our cult-favorite Chicken Super Nuggets. These beta-carotene-packed bites are not your average tots!  

Wheat germ oil: Wheat germ is known for its heart-healthy, immunity-boosting effects, thanks to its ample supply of minerals like zinc, magnesium, potassium, and more. Further, wheat germ oil has an abundance of vitamin B6, which supports healthy brain function—hello, baby Einstein!

Babies love our Quinoa Raspberry Pudding blend (and the adults do, too), which in addition to berries and quinoa, also includes wheat germ oil, delivering a hefty dose of vitamin B6 to your little one’s belly. 

Avocados: You already love avocados on your toast, but your little ones could benefit from having it added to their own meals, too! Avocados can boost heart, eye, skin, and bone health, in addition to improving digestion and, of course, lowering “bad” cholesterol. 

While we already highlighted our fan favorite Tropical Greens blend, another great, more savory and complex avocado choice is our Tuscan Quinoa and White Bean Soup blend—it’s like your favorite pesto recipe, packed with protein and tailor-made for your growing kiddo!