Top 6 Foods Rich In Iodine

Chasing the trendy salt swaps? Well, they’re the reason iodine deficiency is sneaking back in. But don’t panic. You can easily get more iodine from simple snacks and iodized salt. Are you curious? Read on!

Those were the good ol’ days… when salt was just salt. You’d sprinkle it on chips without a second thought. But now, our pantry is full of sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, gourmet finishing salts and what not. Is all salt the same though? Not really! Iodine deficiency is making an unexpected comeback. And our salt choices may be the reason. Surprised?

Why Is Iodine Even a Thing?

Before you roll your eyes at another nutrient you need to worry about, let’s clear this up. Iodine is no fad. It works quietly behind the scenes, maintaining hormone and thyroid function. Without enough iodine, things start to go haywire. But here’s the kicker. The solution is not obsessing over iodine, but rather where to find it.

The Sneaky Shift in Modern Diets

How did we end up here? Changing food habits or it could be the shift to trendy salts. Iodized salt was a staple in mom’s pantry. It was a simple, efficient way to ensure we got enough iodine. But then came a wave of trendy salts that do not pack the same iodine punch. And it’s not just salt. Modern food processing strip away natural iodine. Additionally, we moved away from other iodine rich foods like seafood and dairy.

Where’s the Iodine Hiding?

1. Iodized Salt

The simplest answer is moving to iodized salt. So make a choice when you have to pick specialized salts. A small amount can go a long way in meeting your daily needs.

2. Seaweed Snacks

These oceanic treats are rich in iodine and make for a tasty, low-calorie snack. Brands like SeaSnax and Gimme offer roasted seaweed snacks that are both delicious and beneficial.

3. Kale Chips

Leafy greens such as kale contain iodine, and when transformed into chips, they become a crunchy snack option. Healthy Crunch provides a variety of flavored kale chips to satisfy your taste buds.

4. Fish and Seafood

Seafood such as cod, shrimp, and tuna are excellent sources of iodine. Including these in your diet can provide a substantial iodine boost.

5. Dairy

If you're looking to diversify your iodine intake beyond salty snacks, dairy products are a reliable ally. Milk, yogurt, and cheese naturally contain iodine due to how dairy animals are raised. Even better, these foods blend effortlessly into daily meals—think creamy yogurt parfaits, smoothies, or a quick cheese board. So next time you're grocery shopping, tossing in a tub of Greek yogurt or your favorite cheese could quietly boost your iodine intake without even trying.

6. Beans

Beans like kidney beans and navy beans are naturally a great source of iodine! They're also a delicious plant-based source of protein and fibre, bonus!

Honourable Mention
Since iodine is crucial to proper thryoid function, a thyroid supplement may help with those experiencing iodine deficiency symptoms! Smart Solutions ThyroSmart helps to maintain healthy thryoid function with their vegetable capsules!

Spotting the (Very Subtle) Signs

Okay, let’s not panic here, but it’s worth knowing what low iodine can look like. We’re talking subtle stuff like fatigue, sluggishness, maybe a little brain fog. Nothing dramatic, but enough to make you wonder why your morning coffee isn’t doing its job. 

A Sprinkle of Balance

The key takeaway? It’s all about balance. Iodine isn’t the star of the show, but it’s an essential supporting actor. You don't have to swear off your fancy salts entirely or binge on seaweed all day long. It’s about mindful swaps, incorporating iodine-rich options into your routine, and maybe rekindling an appreciation for good old iodized salt. Small, easy choices—like sprinkling iodized salt on your popcorn during movie night—can be both tasty and healthy.

Who knew the solution to this “silent comeback” was hiding in your kitchen cupboard all along? Maybe it’s time to dust off that forgotten shaker of iodized salt and start mixing things up again. After all, who doesn’t love a pantry comeback story?