If you’re one of those multitasking mums trying to figure out what’s real food and what’s processed nonsense, you’re in the right place. I want to talk about a product that’s been getting a lot of buzz, the Daily 30+ mix from a brand called Zoe. This isn’t a paid partnership, and I have no connection to the brand. I bought the product from Waitrose for my own use and tried it out, so this is as honest as it gets.
Now, Zoe calls this a supplement, though it looks more like a whole food blend. By UK law, all supplements are considered food, but not all foods are supplements. This mix includes seeds, nuts, herbs, spices and mushrooms, all recognisably real foods. I actually finished the whole pouch in two sittings, scooped it straight out with a spoon, no yoghurt, no smoothie, nothing. I was under the impression it was food, and in my view, it is. That said, I later read the instructions, which clearly state you should start with half a scoop per day and build up gradually. Don’t do what I did. Follow the instructions. I was fine, no tummy troubles, but better safe than sorry.
Taste-wise, it’s neutral. Not sweet, salty or sour. Completely tolerable, even on its own. The concept behind Daily 30+ is simple, get 30 different plants into your diet each week to support your gut microbiome. Each serving contains a mix of whole plant-based ingredients, though the serving size is just 16g, so don’t expect miracles from one scoop. That’s why it’s a supplement, not a meal. Still, there are no nasties: no additives, no sugar, no salt, no gluten. Just real, whole ingredients. And for someone like me, with a bit of a food phobia, that means a lot.
Let’s dive into what’s actually in the mix. You get five fruits and veggies, including some you’ve likely never had, like baobab, which is a soluble fibre-rich fruit, and buckthorn, a berry rich in antioxidants. Chicory root is another highlight. It’s packed with inulin, a type of fibre that feeds your good gut bacteria. Garlic and onions are also in there, underrated anti-inflammatory heroes we don’t eat enough of. One caveat: some nutrients like vitamin C may be lost during the drying process, but the fibre remains intact, so it’s still useful.
Then we’ve got eight types of mushrooms, which are brilliant for fibre. We also have five herbs, cumin, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and turmeric. These aren’t fibre sources, but they do offer phytonutrients and flavour. The seed blend is excellent: chia, flax, grape, hemp, pumpkin and sunflower. High in fibre, rich in minerals, and great for overall health. Then we come to my favourite: nuts. Almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts make an appearance, and they’re fabulous for healthy fats and vitamin E.
The mix boasts about its omega-3 content, and rightly so. From flax, chia, hemp and walnuts, one serving gives you about 0.3g of omega-3. That’s half the amount you get from a piece of salmon, which is pretty impressive for a dry scoop of seeds and nuts. Omega-3 is especially helpful for me with managing my psoriasis, so this was a big selling point.
There are some bonus ingredients too, red lentils for plant-based protein, iron and B vitamins. North Atlantic seaweed is included for iodine, soluble fibre and vitamin C. There’s also puffed quinoa, a lightly processed whole grain that becomes easier to digest after puffing. Technically processed, yes, but still wholesome. Nutritional yeast flakes are another nice touch, rich in B vitamins and a complete protein source with all nine essential amino acids.
If I had to point out one downside, it’s that Zoe doesn’t disclose the exact quantity of each ingredient. From the order in the list, mushrooms are at the very end, suggesting they’re present in the smallest volume, while flax seeds, red lentils and grape seeds dominate the mix. That might be intentional, mushrooms can taste bitter, so maybe a smaller quantity is better anyway.
Zoe makes three health claims on the packaging: natural source of calcium (good for digestion), copper (supports the immune system and energy metabolism), and fibre. All valid. But is it worth the £10 for seven servings? It’s definitely on the pricey side. You can create a similar blend yourself at home with nuts, seeds, and dried mushrooms. Holland & Barrett’s Pimp My Salad Activated Super Seed Sprinkles is a good budget option, and Naturya’s Gut Feel Flaxseed Blend Apple and Cinnamon is another, though it doesn’t contain nuts. You could always add your own. Let’s be honest, the mushrooms probably push Zoe’s price up.
Do we absolutely need mushrooms for gut health? Not really. They’re nice to have, but your gut will be just as happy with fresh brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach and other fibre-rich veggies. You can absolutely hit 30 plants a week from fresh vegetables, at a much lower cost. If you’ve got the time and patience (I know that’s a big ask), you can make your own blend. The only reason I won’t be buying Daily 30+ again is that it’s not organic and I eat exclusively organic. But if that’s not a dealbreaker for you and you’ve got room in the budget, this is a great product to boost your fibre, healthy fats, vitamin intake and plant diversity.
It’s all natural, no ultra processing, and definitely healthier than a plain pot of yoghurt. Hope this review helped you make a more informed choice.
-- Written by Hala Ali, founder of Dietapplements
