9 specialty food stocks to watch

Ready to invest in the health food industry? Compare potential investments and learn how to buy specialty food stocks in just a few steps.

Considering investing in specialty food stocks? While the best specialty food stocks depend on your portfolio and investment goals, we've identified some specialty food stocks that are worth keeping an eye on in the health food sector. Keep reading to learn more about specialty food stocks and how to start investing.

We round up a selection of stocks in or related to the health food industry, weighting the list more heavily towards popular mid- and large-cap stocks.

Best stock 1-year return Market cap Exchange Volume Buy on Questrade
Sprouts Farmers Market LLC (SFM.US) -51.50% $7.5 billion (USD) NASDAQ 4,687,300 Buy now
Beyond Meat (BYND.US) -79.27% $366.4 million (USD) NASDAQ 20,212,800 Buy now
The Hain Celestial Group (HAIN.US) -61.64% $54.7 million (USD) NASDAQ 4,637,400 Buy now
Lifeway Foods (LWAY.US) 3.71% $388.6 million (USD) NASDAQ 131,100 Buy now
SunOpta (STKL.US) 8.51% $771 million (USD) NASDAQ 2,917,348 Buy now
Amazon-com (AMZN.US) 16.55% $2.6 trillion (USD) NASDAQ 75,624,400 Buy now
United Natural Foods (UNFI.US) 141.75% $3.1 billion (USD) NYSE 1,646,900 Buy now
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage (NGVC.US) -27.06% $693.8 million (USD) NYSE 121,400 Buy now
Burcon NutraScience Corporation (BU.TO) -30.38% $27.9 million (CAD) Toronto Stock Exchange 400 Buy now
The values in this table are accurate as of the market close on June 17, 2026, or the most recent data available. Volume refers to the number of shares traded during the day.

What to look for when investing in specialty food stock

The health food industry is affected by a range of complex factors such as trade policies, regulations, and fluctuating supply and demand. So when considering specialty food stocks to buy, it's important that you have access to vital information about a company's financial health, leadership team, and market positioning.

Also keep in mind that, while volatility can be ideal for day traders, long-term investors will want to look for stocks to offer steadier gains over time.

How to invest in specialty food stock

  1. Research the health food industry. Before investing, learn about the specialty food stock sector, its trends and the companies within it. Look at each company's financial health, potential for growth and past performance to identify stocks that fit your investment goals.
  2. Choose a stock trading platform. Compare trading fees, access to trading tools and user interface options. We've identified reliable trading platforms to help narrow down your options below or check out the best stock trading apps in Canada to find one that suits your needs.
  3. Open and fund your account. Sign up with your personal details and link a bank account or funding method to deposit money before you start trading.
  4. Select the specialty food stock(s) to buy. Search by company name or ticker symbol, like SFM or BYND. Compare key metrics such as market cap, price history and earnings per share to pick the best stock for your strategy.
  5. Buy the stock and monitor performance. Place your order to buy the stock and track its performance over time. Consider setting alerts, signing up for industry newsletters or using platform research tools to stay up to date on market changes.

Our top picks for where to buy specialty food stocks

Best welcome bonus

4683c389-dc2c-4956-85ea-16ae67f2aa37-Research tools
Research tools
  • $0 commissions
  • Supports advanced order types
  • Advanced technical charting
  • Highly-rated customer support

Best for $0 commission trades

7752f221-897b-460c-99e2-d0ab161d963d-Low commissions
Low commissions
  • Get $125 cash back (with $250 min. deposit) using promo code FINDER125
  • $0 commissions
  • Dual currency USD/CAD accounts
  • Advanced order types
  • Sophisticated charting and trading tools

Best for Beginners

d599fb3a-3477-4063-87f4-1540c26e9cad-Easy to use app
Easy to use app
  • Easy-to-use platform
  • Low fees compared to other Big Bank platforms
  • Wide range of research tools and order types
  • Discounts for young investors and active traders

Are specialty food stocks a good investment?

While it's possible to turn a profit investing in specialty food stocks, keep in mind that—like any investment—specialty food stocks are not immune to risk. These stocks are subject to fluctuating conditions both in the market and in the health food industry, so carefully vet your picks before you invest.

What are the best specialty food stocks?

A lot of factors go into picking the best specialty food stocks. Stock performance can be impacted by factors like market conditions, company decisions and global events. Plus, what may be a strong specialty food stock investment for one person might not be suitable for another.

That said, we rounded up this list of popular specialty food stocks in or related to the health food industry to help narrow down your options:

Keep in mind that this is not a "best" list or a recommendation. It highlights some specialty food stocks for informational purposes only and does not indicate past or future performance or investment advice. We do not guarantee any investment performance.

We've outlined detailed company and stock performance details for each specialty food stock below. Keep reading to decide if any of these companies are the right investment for you.


Sprouts Farmers Market LLC (SFM)

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the retailing of fresh, natural, and organic food products in the United States. The company offers healthy grocery stores; and lifestyle-friendly ingredients such as organic, plant-based, keto, paleo, non-GMO, and gluten-free.

The company also offers perishable product categories, including produce, meat and meat alternatives, seafood, deli, bakery, floral, and dairy alternatives; and non-perishable product categories, such as grocery, vitamins and supplements, bulk items, frozen foods, beer and wine, and natural health and body care.

Closing stock price $80.49
Market Capitalization $7.5 billion
Gross profit (TTM) $3.5 billion
Profit margin 5.70%
Revenue (TTM) $8.9 billion
Earnings per share (TTM) $5.21
52-week stock price range $64.75 – $173.96
All dollar amounts in this table are in USD. TTM refers to the "trailing 12 months." All values are accurate as of the market close on June 17, 2026.

Beyond Meat (BYND)

Beyond Meat, Inc., a plant-based meat company, engages in the development, manufacture, marketing, and sale of plant-based meat products under the Beyond brand name in the United States and internationally. The company sells a range of plant-based meat products that replicates beef, pork, and poultry meats.

It sells its products through grocery, mass merchandiser, club stores, and natural retailer channels, as well as various food-away-from-home channels, including restaurants, foodservice outlets, and schools.

Closing stock price $0.71
Market Capitalization $366.4 million
Gross profit (TTM) $28.7 million
Profit margin 94.97%
Revenue (TTM) $265 million
Earnings per share (TTM) -$1.09
52-week stock price range $0.50 – $4.82
All dollar amounts in this table are in USD. TTM refers to the "trailing 12 months." All values are accurate as of the market close on June 17, 2026.

The Hain Celestial Group (HAIN)

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. manufactures, markets, and sells organic and natural products in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and internationally. The company offers infant formula; infant and toddler formula, infant cereals, baby food pouches, snacks and frozen toddler and kids' foods; plant-based beverages such as soy, rice, oat, cashew and spelt; and condiments, as well as meat-free dishes and meals.

It also provides cooking and culinary oils, vinegars, and condiments; nutritional oils and supplements; broth and soups; yogurts; desserts and creamers; and nut butters.

Closing stock price $0.61
Market Capitalization $54.7 million
Gross profit (TTM) $293.2 million
Profit margin -35.47%
Revenue (TTM) $1.5 billion
Earnings per share (TTM) -$5.70
52-week stock price range $0.55 – $2.17
All dollar amounts in this table are in USD. TTM refers to the "trailing 12 months." All values are accurate as of the market close on June 17, 2026.

Lifeway Foods (LWAY)

Lifeway Foods, Inc. produces and markets probiotic-based products in North America. The company's primary product is drinkable kefir, a cultured dairy product in various organic and non-organic sizes, flavors, and milk types.

It offers European-style soft cheeses, including farmer and white cheeses, and sweet kiss; cream and other products; drinkable yogurt; ProBugs, a line of kefir products designed for children; and Fresh Made butter and sour cream.

Closing stock price $25.43
Market Capitalization $388.6 million
Gross profit (TTM) $68.1 million
Profit margin 6.53%
Revenue (TTM) $229.4 million
Earnings per share (TTM) $0.96
52-week stock price range $17.31 – $34.20
All dollar amounts in this table are in USD. TTM refers to the "trailing 12 months." All values are accurate as of the market close on June 17, 2026.

SunOpta (STKL)

SunOpta Inc. engages in the manufacture and sale of plant and fruit-based food and beverage products in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company offers plant-based beverage products, including oat, almond, soy, coconut, rice, hemp, and other nut, grain, seed, and legume based beverages under the Dream and West Life brands names; oat-based creamers under the SOWN brand name; ready-to-drink protein shakes; packaged teas and concentrates; meat and vegetable broths and stocks; and nut, grain, seed, and legume-based beverages.

It also provides plant-based ingredients, such as oatbase and soybase; fruit based snacks, including fruit bars, bits, twists, strips, pressed bars, and strips; conventional and organic broth and stock; liquid packaged and bulk tea concentrate; and liquid ingredients for internal use and for sale to other food and beverage manufacturers.

Closing stock price $6.50
Market Capitalization $771 million
Gross profit (TTM) $121.2 million
Profit margin 1.93%
Revenue (TTM) $817.7 million
Earnings per share (TTM) $0.13
52-week stock price range $3.32 – $6.94
All dollar amounts in this table are in USD. TTM refers to the "trailing 12 months." All values are accurate as of the market close on May 14, 2026.

Amazon-com (AMZN)

Amazon.com, Inc. engages in the retail sale of consumer products, advertising, and subscriptions service through online and physical stores in North America and internationally. The company operates through three segments: North America, International, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).

It also manufactures and sells electronic devices, including Kindle, fire tablets, fire TVs, echo, ring, blink, and eero; and develops and produces media content.

Closing stock price $244.39
Market Capitalization $2.6 trillion
Gross profit (TTM) $375.9 billion
Profit margin 12.22%
Revenue (TTM) $742.8 billion
Earnings per share (TTM) $7.77
52-week stock price range $196.00 – $278.56
All dollar amounts in this table are in USD. TTM refers to the "trailing 12 months." All values are accurate as of the market close on June 17, 2026.

United Natural Foods (UNFI)

United Natural Foods, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the distribution of natural, organic, specialty, produce, and conventional grocery and non-food products in the United States and Canada. It operates in three segments: Natural, Wholesale, and Retail.

The company distributes grocery and general merchandise, perishables, frozen food, wellness and personal care items, bulk and foodservice, home, health and beauty care, pharmacy, pet food, produce, meat, dairy, and organic/non-GMO products under the ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY, SHOPPERS VALUE, WILD HARVEST, Field Day, STONE RIDGE CREAMERY, EQUALINE, CULINARY CIRCLE, and WOODSTOCK brands.

Closing stock price $51.71
Market Capitalization $3.1 billion
Gross profit (TTM) $4.2 billion
Profit margin -0.12%
Revenue (TTM) $31.2 billion
Earnings per share (TTM) -$0.66
52-week stock price range $21.27 – $57.02
All dollar amounts in this table are in USD. TTM refers to the "trailing 12 months." All values are accurate as of the market close on June 17, 2026.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage (NGVC)

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, retails natural and organic groceries, and dietary supplements in the United States. The company's stores offer natural and organic grocery products, such as organic produce; private label repackaged bulk products, including dried fruits, nuts, grains, granolas, teas, herbs, and spices, as well as peanut and almond butters; private label products comprising grocery staples, household products, bulk foods, and vitamins and dietary supplements, as well as organic eggs, organic flavored coffee, and organic mustard; dry, frozen, and canned groceries; meat and seafood products; dairy products, dairy substitutes, and eggs; prepared foods; bread and baked products; beverages; and beer, wine, and hard cider products.

Its stores also provide name-brand supplements, as well as private label dietary supplements; body care products consisting of cosmetics, skin care, hair care, fragrance, and personal care products containing natural and organic ingredients; pet care and food products; household and general merchandise, including cleaning supplies, paper products, and dish and laundry soaps, as well as other common household products, such as diapers; and books and handouts.

Closing stock price $30.11
Market Capitalization $693.8 million
Gross profit (TTM) $450 million
Profit margin 3.60%
Revenue (TTM) $1.3 billion
Earnings per share (TTM) $2.08
52-week stock price range $23.22 – $45.10
All dollar amounts in this table are in USD. TTM refers to the "trailing 12 months." All values are accurate as of the market close on June 17, 2026.

Burcon NutraScience Corporation (BU)

Burcon NutraScience Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides plant-based proteins for the food and beverage industry in Canada. The company offers peas, which includes Peazazz, a pea protein for use in dairy alternatives; and canola protein, which comprises meat alternatives, egg alternatives, non-dairy frozen desserts, ready-to-mix beverages, whipped toppings and nutrition bars, and other concentrated protein supplements.

It also provides soy that includes soy protein, a protein replacement for dairy proteins in food or in products, such as protein shakes, power bars, soups and sauces, meat alternatives, and breads and baked goods; and CLARISOY for sports nutrition beverages, citrus-based drinks, fruit-flavoured beverages, lemonades, powdered beverage mixes, and in various non-beverage plant-based applications.

Closing stock price C$2.20
Market Capitalization C$27.9 million
Gross profit (TTM) C$-5,325,088
Revenue (TTM) C$1.5 million
Earnings per share (TTM) -C$1.07
52-week stock price range C$1.51 – C$5.00
All dollar amounts in this table are in CAD. TTM refers to the "trailing 12 months." All values are accurate as of the market close on June 18, 2026.

Compare trading platforms to buy specialty food stock

Compare special offers, low fees and a wide range of investment options among popular trading platforms in Canada. Note that the dollar amounts in the table below are in CAD.

8 of 8 results
Finder Score Available Asset Types Account Types Stock Trading Fee Monthly Account Fee
Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual Funds, Index Funds, ETFs, Forex, GICs, Precious Metals, IPOs
RRSP, RESP, RRIF, TFSA, Personal, Joint, FHSA, Margin
$0
$0
Finder exclusive: Get $125 cash back with the Questrade promo code FINDER125. Offer ends June 22, 2026. T&Cs apply.
Go to site View details
Compare product selection
Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency
RRSP, TFSA, Personal, Margin
$0
$0
Get a 1% match cash bonus on eligible $25,000+ transfers from other financial institutions to your Wealthsimple Self-directed Investing and Managed Investing accounts. T&Cs apply.
Go to site View details
Compare product selection
CIBC logo
Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual Funds, ETFs, GICs, Precious Metals, IPOs
RRSP, RESP, RRIF, TFSA, Personal, Joint, Business, FHSA, Margin
$6.95
$0 if conditions met, or $100
Get 200 free trades for 2 years, using promo code EDGE2026. Valid until September 30, 2026. T&Cs apply.
Go to site View details
Compare product selection
Qtrade logo
Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual Funds, ETFs, GICs, IPOs
RRSP, RESP, RRIF, TFSA, Personal, Joint, FHSA, Margin
$0
$0
Earn up to $2,000 cashback when you open and fund a new Qtrade account. Valid until July 31, 2026. T&Cs apply.
Go to site View details
Compare product selection
RBC logo
Stocks, ETFs
RRSP, TFSA, FHSA
$0 - $9.95
$0
Open your first GoSmart account and get $50 when you deposit $500. Valid until July 31, 2026. T&Cs apply.
Go to site View details
Compare product selection
BMO logo
Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual Funds, ETFs, GICs
RRSP, RESP, RRIF, TFSA, Personal, Joint, FHSA, Margin
$3.95–$9.95
$0 if conditions met, otherwise $100 per year
Get up to $10,000 + 150 free trades. Offer ends August 31, 2026. T&Cs apply.
View details
Compare product selection
Interactive Brokers logo
Stocks, Bonds, Options, Index Funds, ETFs, Forex, Currencies, Futures
RRSP, TFSA, Personal, Joint, Business, FHSA, Margin
Min $1.00, Max 0.5%
$0
View details
Compare product selection
Moomoo logo
Stocks, Options, ETFs
RRSP, TFSA, Personal, FHSA, Margin
$1.49/stock
$0
Get up to 30 free stocks, 6% on uninvested cash, commission-free trades for 30 days and up to $2,300 in cash rewards. Offer ends August 31, 2026. T&Cs apply.
View details
Compare product selection
loading
Showing 8 of 8 results

Finder Score for stock trading platforms

To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Trading costs, account fees and features across 10+ stock trading platforms and apps are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score, the better the platform—it's that simple.

Read the full methodology

Bottom line

If you're considering adding specialty food stocks to your portfolio, make sure you thoroughly look into any companies before investing to help mitigate risk. We've compiled a list of specialty food stocks to help narrow down your options. Then choose a legitimate stock trading platform to start investing. After that it comes down to monitoring the health food industry to know when to buy, sell or hold.

Frequently asked questions about specialty food stocks

Sources

Check these other commodities and investment sectors

If you're thinking about diversifying your portfolio and investing in sectors beyond specialty food stocks, here are some others you can consider:
Important information: Powered by Finder.com. This information is general in nature and is no substitute for professional advice. It does not take into account your personal situation. This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, CFDs, options or any specific provider, service or offering. It should not be relied upon as investment advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks, ETFs and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and therefore are not appropriate for most investors. You do not own or have any interest in the underlying asset. Capital is at risk, including the risk of losing more than the amount originally put in, market volatility and liquidity risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Tax on profits may apply. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination for the product on the provider's website. Consider your own circumstances, including whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money and possess the relevant experience and knowledge. We recommend that you obtain independent advice from a suitably licensed financial advisor before making any trades.

Ask a question

You must be logged in to post a comment.

More guides on Finder

  • 10 pipeline stocks to watch

    Want to invest in pipeline companies? We’ve put together a list of pipeline stocks you should keep your eye on.

  • Best renewable energy stocks

    These are the best renewable energy stocks to buy now in Canada.

  • 9 Canadian bank stocks to watch

    Want to invest in financial services companies in Canada? Here’s a list of Canadian bank stocks you should keep your eye on.

  • 6 graphene stocks to watch

    We’ve rounded up stats on some of the most popular graphene stocks, along with information on how they compare and how to invest.

  • 10 food stocks to watch

    Want to invest in consumer staples companies? We’ve put together a list of food stocks you should keep your eye on.

  • 9 coal stocks to watch

    Want to invest in coal companies? We’ve put together a list of coal stocks you should keep your eye on.

  • 10 utilities stocks to watch

    Want to invest in electricity, water and gas companies? We’ve put together a list of utilities stocks you should keep your eye on.

  • 10 consumer staples stocks to watch

    Want to invest in companies that sell essential goods and services? Keep an eye on these consumer staples stocks.

  • 10 biotech stocks to watch

    Want to invest in biotechnology companies? We’ve put together a list of biotech stocks you should keep your eye on.

  • Interactive Brokers review

    Interactive Brokers makes it easy for Canadian investors to access global exchanges with competitive rates and fees.

Go to site