Why every ingredient in Step One Foods matters

It’s easy to make a food that is healthy but tastes like cardboard. It’s also easy to make a food that tastes great but is brimming with added sugars, salt and various artificial ingredients. The real challenge is to make foods that hit both metrics out of the park - while keeping the ingredient lists looking like something that came out of a cookbook rather than a chemistry lab. I’m really proud of the fact that Step One Foods has accomplished just that.

You’ve probably heard that reading food labels is a good idea. But if you really want to understand what’s in your food—and what it might do to your body—you need to read the ingredient list.

At Step One Foods, every single ingredient we use is selected for a reason. Backed by over 500 scientific studies and validated by a clinical trial, our foods are designed to help support cardiometabolic health naturally. Here’s a closer look at some of our favorite health promoting - and delicious - ingredients.

Blueberries: Improve Insulin Sensitivity

Blueberries are probably my favorite fruit. The perfect balance of tangy, sweet and floral flavors, blueberries are delicious in almost everything - and especially in oatmeal where they can really shine. But they’re more than just a tasty addition. Among other health benefits, research shows blueberries improve insulin sensitivity in people with obesity. This matters because as weight increases, the body’s response to insulin decreases—raising blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Cranberries: High in Antioxidants

Raw cranberries have a bold, tart flavor that can make your mouth pucker. When dried, hints of citrus and spice emerge.  All those properties add zing and taste interest regardless of which food they’re in.  Cranberries are included in all our products because they’re also packed with antioxidants and have strong anti-inflammatory properties. These benefits make them powerful supporters of heart and blood vessel health.

Nuts: Support Cholesterol and Heart Health

Nuts are  known for their rich, slightly sweet and buttery flavor, often with a toasty, warm undertone. Almonds, walnuts, and pecans deliver on all that taste, but are in every Step One Foods product for other reasons as well.  Not only are they a good source of protein and healthy fats, they have been consistently shown to improve health outcomes. According to a national health study, replacing refined carbs with nuts in your diet is associated with a 30% reduced risk of heart disease.

Flaxseeds: High in Omega-3s and Fiber

Flaxseeds have a mild, nutty flavor with earthy, slightly grassy undertones, similar to raw sunflower seeds or very mild walnuts. Flaxseeds are a nutritional powerhouse, contributing both omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. A flax-enriched diet improves blood vessel function and significantly lowers diastolic blood pressure, especially in people with high cholesterol.

Chia Seeds: Ancient Fuel for Modern Heart Health

Chia seeds have a very mild, almost neutral flavor with faintly nutty undertones. They’re a versatile stealth ingredient in most Step One Foods, since, on their own, they’re barely noticeable in taste. Used as a high-energy food by ancient Aztec warriors, chia seeds are rich in omega-3s and fiber. Today, they are recognized for helping promote satiety, stabilizing blood sugar, and supporting overall cardiovascular wellness.  All without affecting the lemon flavor of our Lemon Almond Bars, or impacting the scent or flavor of the real vanilla beans included in our Pancake Mix.

About Step One Foods

Step One Foods offers convenient, scientifically-formulated foods clinically validated to rapidly reduce cholesterol and improve cardiometabolic health. Real food. Real results. Unapologetically delicious.  Learn more at steponefoods.com.

Last updated: June 2025