Animated seaweed algae under water | Morish Snacks
on September 03, 2026

Is seaweed a superfood? Here’s what the science says

Every few years, a new ‘superfood’ steals the spotlight. One minute it’s kale, the next it’s chia seeds or turmeric. But one nutritional powerhouse has been quietly impressing for centuries: seaweed.

A staple food in countries like Korea and Japan for generations, seaweed is only recently beginning to make waves in the UK. As interest grows in functional foods, gut health and plant-based eating, this remarkable marine vegetable is earning recognition as one of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods.

What is a superfood?

Although we hear the term superfood all the time, there’s actually no official scientific definition. It’s generally used to describe foods that are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients that can support a healthy, balanced diet.

Seaweed is a great example. It naturally contains nutrients such as vitamin B12, iodine, fibre and antioxidants, all sourced directly from the ocean. Better still, it’s one of the most sustainable foods on the planet, requiring no fertilisers or pesticides to grow, making it as good for the environment as it is for your plate.

Why is seaweed considered a superfood?

Seaweed is considered one of the most nutrient-dense foods available because it naturally contains a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds.

Depending on the variety, seaweed may contain:

  • Vitamin B12, which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
  • Iodine, which contributes to normal thyroid function and normal energy-yielding metabolism
  • Fibre, to support digestive health
  • Plant protein, which supports muscle maintenance as part of a balanced diet
  • Iron, which contributes to normal oxygen transport and energy release
  • Magnesium, which contributes to normal muscle and nervous system function
  • Antioxidants, which help protect cells from oxidative stress
  • Polyphenols, naturally occurring plant compounds with antioxidant properties.

These nutrients occur naturally in seaweed, so very little processing is needed before it reaches your plate.

At MORiSH, we let the seaweed do the talking. We simply pair premium ocean-grown seaweed with a handful of real, recognisable ingredients to create outrageously tasty snacks packed with naturally occurring goodness.

5 packs showing the crispy seaweed range | Morish Snacks

Image: MORiSH’s range of nutrient-dense roasted seaweed snacks

Seaweed and vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in supporting normal energy-yielding metabolism and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It’s also important for the normal functioning of the nervous system and the formation of healthy red blood cells.

As more people adopt flexitarian or plant-based eating habits, naturally occurring sources of vitamin B12 have become increasingly valuable.

For more on flexitarian diets, take a look at our blog on Why people are embracing the flexitarian lifestyle.

Seaweed: nature’s source of iodine

Iodine is an essential mineral that contributes to normal thyroid function, cognitive function and normal energy-yielding metabolism. Since the thyroid relies on iodine to produce hormones that help regulate many functions in the body, getting enough iodine is an important part of a healthy diet.

Seaweed is one of the richest natural sources of iodine, making roasted seaweed sheets an easy and delicious way to include more of this important mineral in your everyday diet.

Seaweed for gut health

Fibre plays an important role in supporting healthy digestion, and interest in the gut microbiome has grown rapidly in recent years. Research continues to explore the relationship between gut bacteria and many aspects of overall wellbeing.

Seaweed naturally contains fibre that helps support normal digestive function while providing nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet.

Can seaweed help with weight management?

No single food causes weight loss, and even the healthiest foods contain calories. However, choosing lower-calorie, nutrient-rich snacks can make it easier to maintain a healthy diet.

Roasted seaweed sheets are naturally low in calories while delivering a delicious umami flavour and satisfying crunch. Swapping crisps or sugary snacks for roasted seaweed can be a simple way to enjoy something tasty while making a lighter snacking choice.

MORiSH Seaweed Thins come in five delicious flavours, including Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Sesame Oil, Sea Salt and Shiitake mushroom. Made with minimal processing and no unnecessary additives, they’re conveniently portion-controlled and perfect for snacking wherever your day takes you.

Sustainable seaweed

As if the nutritional benefits weren’t impressive enough, seaweed also happens to be one of the planet’s most sustainable foods.

The Harvard T.H, Chan School of Public Health highlights seaweed’s nutritional value as well as its environmental potential.

Unlike conventional agriculture, seaweed farming requires:

  • no agricultural land
  • no freshwater irrigation
  • no fertilisers
  • no pesticides.

It grows naturally in the ocean, helping to support marine ecosystems while requiring very few natural resources. As demand grows for sustainable food production, seaweed is becoming an increasingly important part of the future food system.

For more information on how marine farming supports a healthier planet, read our blog The perfect food for healthier people and a healthier planet.

Why MORiSH chose seaweed

At MORiSH, we didn’t choose crispy seaweed because it was trendy – we chose it because it perfectly reflects everything we believe food should be.

Its bold umami flavour, naturally occurring nutrients and impressive sustainability credentials made it an obvious choice for our Snacks With Benefits range. We simply enhance premium ocean-grown seaweed with real, recognisable ingredients before sealing it into convenient portion-controlled packs, ready to enjoy anytime, anywhere.

We don’t believe great snacks need artificial flavours or unnecessary additives. Nature has already done the hard work – we just let seaweed shine.

What’s your favourite superfood? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and tag us @morishsnacks.

Snacks With Benefits slogan in blue | Morish Snacks Snacks With Benefits slogan in blue | Morish Snacks