Our Sustainable Superfood

Can we really call our New Zealand Greenshell mussels a ‘superfood’?

100% we can!!

According to the English Oxford Dictionary, a superfood is described as “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being”.

While there is no scientific or legal definition of a ‘superfood’, there is an obligation under the New Zealand Fair Trading Act, that food manufacturers must be truthful and not misleading when making claims.

Also, as part of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, there is a regulation that governs how health and nutrition claims are made.

It is well known that our unique, indigenous mussels are packed with omega-3s - including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). But they are also high in protein, an excellent source of iron, B12, iodine, selenium and niacin and a good source of magnesium. Therefore we can confidently, hand on our heart, say our mussels are a true superfood. Further information can be found in a summary document we have put together.

Research into the benefits of Greenshell mussels (as a food or the nutraceutical powders and oils) for humans and pets are ongoing but already numerous studies have provided scientific evidence of the functional health benefits associated with our mussels.

These tasty morsels are an absolute powerhouse of nutrition and, with one of the lowest carbon footprints per 100g of all animal proteins studied*, they represent one of the world's most sustainable 'superfoods' too.

For inspiration and recipe ideas, click here.

* Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in-depth study conducted by independent environmental consultancy, thinkstep-anz.