Here are some the surprising superfoods predicted to take 2019 by storm

Pork scratchings, cottage cheese and seaweed have been named as three of the surprising superfoods predicted to take 2019 by storm.

Online healthy food retailer Musclefood.com have revealed the 19 foods which they expect to be flying off the shelves this year, ranging from the exotic lucuma and baobab fruits to fridge essentials like sardines and cottage cheese.

The list includes one of the most popular crops in the world as well as other plant-based foods full of essential nutrients and vitamins, plus some unexpected products that are in fact packing a surprising number of health benefits, like dark chocolate.

Pork scratchings have also made the cut. Despite previously getting a bad rep, two thirds of all their fat is made up of mono and polyunsaturated fats that are in fact beneficial for heart health.

And because pork scratchings are effectively concentrated collagen from skin, they have a high protein content to keep you feeling full and benefit muscle and bone health – however, their high salt content means you should moderate how often you eat them.

Musclefood have developed their own pork scratchings using prime pork rind. With more than 20g of protein per 30g bag, the Proteinium Pork Crunch contains zero carbohydrates and is low in fat compared to a lot of other snack foods.

Here are the site’s predictions for which superfoods will be a hit in 2019:

Watermelon Seeds
The seeds of watermelon are in fact more nutritious than the flesh we typically eat – packing an impressive 34g of protein in every 100g serving and a host of nutrients. No more spitting them out!

Sardines
The humble sardine has long been overlooked in favour of canned staples such as tuna and salmon. But sardines are a powerhouse of B vitamins and essential nutrients and are an important source of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Sorghum
One of the most popular crops in the world, Sorghum has been largely unknown in the UK, until now. It is as versatile as wheat and can be prepared like rice, ground flour for baking and even popcorn. It is gluten free and is a vegan source of protein.

Cassava Flour
Cassava Flour is paleo and vegan friendly in addition to being gluten and nut free. Made from the root vegetable cassava, it’s a new substitute for wheat for 2019!

Lucuma
Originating from Peru, the lucuma fruit is packed full of nutrients including sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, along with anti-inflammatory properties.

Swiss Chard
This dark, leafy-green is an excellent source of vitamins, K, A and C along with magnesium, potassium, iron and dietary fibre and promises to be a favourite on many a dinner plate this year.

Cottage Cheese
It might remind you of your Grandma serving it up with pineapple, but Cottage Cheese is making a comeback in 2019. High in protein but low in calories and sugar, its steady release energy helps to control hunger.

Seaweed
An untapped natural resource, seaweed is rich in iodine, a nutrient not found in many other foods, and studies have shown that eating it can reduce fat absorption.

Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut might not come to mind when you think of superfood – it’s often used as a condiment for fast food. However, fermented food benefits digestion by introducing good bacteria into the stomach. Sauerkraut also has high levels of Vitamin K and high fibre content. Nothing sour here!

Dark Chocolate
Who doesn’t love chocolate? The problem is many chocolate products are high in sugar and calorific. However, studies have shown that eating dark chocolate can be beneficial. It has powerful antioxidants and it has been suggested it can even improve your heart health.