Roger Horak, co-founder and Global CEO of OZblu blueberries, a leading producer of new blueberry varieties in the Southern Hemisphere says that an independent research survey of over 2000 people revealed that the health benefits of blueberries are one of the primary purchase drivers for the majority of respondents.
“The results from our recent national survey conducted in South Africa reveal that people buy blueberries for their perceived health and nutritional value, along with their taste, the fact that they are convenient to snack on, and because kids like them.
This is very much in line with the global trend of superfoods – a group of mostly plant-based foods that are thought to be nutritionally dense and thus good for one's health,” says Horak.
He does question, however, how informed these consumers really are about the health and nutritional benefits of blueberries – aside from merely having read somewhere that they fall into the “superfood” category.
“When asked if they were aware of the health and nutritional benefits of blueberries, an overwhelming 72% of respondents said they were, however, not all of these individuals were able to expand very much on what these nutritional benefits actually are.”
He concludes that over and above their high antioxidant-content, blueberries are also a favourite guilt-free treat for anybody watching their figure.
“Being considerably low in sugar with a low Glycaemic Index (GI) value, yet the new varieties are still sweet and rich in taste, blueberries are the perfect snack for weight watchers.
Whether enjoyed as is, thrown into a delicious smoothie, or used as a topping on a bowl of healthy porridge, this versatile superfood lives up to its hype and is enjoyed by people of all ages.”