9 specialty food stocks to watch

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.

9 popular specialty food stocks to watch

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)	-41.21% Sprouts Farmers Market LLC's 1-year return based on the closing price as of September 19, 2025.	$6.6 billion (USD)	NASDAQ	2,440,800	Buy now
Beyond Meat (BYND.US)	306.71% Beyond Meat's 1-year return based on the closing price as of September 19, 2025.	$197.9 million (USD)	NASDAQ	1,139,700	Buy now
The Hain Celestial Group (HAIN.US)	-63.40% The Hain Celestial Group's 1-year return based on the closing price as of September 19, 2025.	$51 million (USD)	NASDAQ	2,917,300	Buy now
Lifeway Foods (LWAY.US)	-9.33% Lifeway Foods's 1-year return based on the closing price as of September 19, 2025.	$361.1 million (USD)	NASDAQ	797,900	Buy now
SunOpta (STKL.US)	4.33% SunOpta's 1-year return based on the closing price as of September 19, 2025.	$771 million (USD)	NASDAQ	2,917,348	Buy now
Amazon-com (AMZN.US)	9.60% Amazon-com's 1-year return based on the closing price as of September 19, 2025.	$2.7 trillion (USD)	NASDAQ	52,148,900	Buy now
United Natural Foods (UNFI.US)	57.27% United Natural Foods's 1-year return based on the closing price as of September 19, 2025.	$2.8 billion (USD)	NYSE	1,306,500	Buy now
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage (NGVC.US)	-13.78% Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage's 1-year return based on the closing price as of September 19, 2025.	$714 million (USD)	NYSE	380,900	Buy now
Burcon NutraScience Corporation (BU.TO)	-37.39% Burcon NutraScience Corporation's 1-year return based on the closing price as of September 19, 2025.	$18.9 million (CAD)	Toronto Stock Exchange	2,921	Buy now

The values in this table are accurate as of the market close on September 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

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:

• Sprouts Farmers Market LLC (SFM)
• Beyond Meat (BYND)
• The Hain Celestial Group (HAIN)
• Lifeway Foods (LWAY)
• SunOpta (STKL)
• Amazon-com (AMZN)
• United Natural Foods (UNFI)
• Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage (NGVC)
• Burcon NutraScience Corporation (BU)

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.

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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	$70.79
Market Capitalization The total market value of Sprouts Farmers Market LLC's outstanding shares	$6.6 billion
Gross profit (TTM)	$3.5 billion
Profit margin	5.59%
Revenue (TTM)	$9 billion
Earnings per share (TTM)	$5.23
52-week stock price range	$64.75 – $121.05

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 September 17, 2026.

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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	$11.51
Market Capitalization The total market value of Beyond Meat's outstanding shares	$197.9 million
Gross profit (TTM)	$26.5 million
Profit margin	115.85%
Revenue (TTM)	$258.8 million
Earnings per share (TTM)	-$19.20
52-week stock price range	$9.81 – $115.80

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 September 17, 2026.

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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, Canada, 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; nutritional oils and supplements; broth and soups; yogurts; desserts and creamers; and nut butters.

Closing stock price	$0.56
Market Capitalization The total market value of The Hain Celestial Group's outstanding shares	$51 million
Gross profit (TTM)	$272.1 million
Profit margin	-22.53%
Revenue (TTM)	$1.4 billion
Earnings per share (TTM)	-$3.33
52-week stock price range	$0.48 – $1.80

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 September 17, 2026.

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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	$23.90
Market Capitalization The total market value of Lifeway Foods's outstanding shares	$361.1 million
Gross profit (TTM)	$65.9 million
Profit margin	4.49%
Revenue (TTM)	$242.4 million
Earnings per share (TTM)	$0.69
52-week stock price range	$17.31 – $32.71

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 September 17, 2026.

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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 The total market value of SunOpta's outstanding shares	$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 – $6.54

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.

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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	$253.71
Market Capitalization The total market value of Amazon-com's outstanding shares	$2.7 trillion
Gross profit (TTM)	$393.8 billion
Profit margin	17.44%
Revenue (TTM)	$775.7 billion
Earnings per share (TTM)	$12.30
52-week stock price range	$196.00 – $287.20

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 September 17, 2026.

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United Natural Foods (UNFI)

United Natural Foods, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, distributes natural, organic, specialty, produce, and conventional food 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, super chill, arctic shores seafood company, koyo, and woodstock brands.

Closing stock price	$46.82
Market Capitalization The total market value of United Natural Foods's outstanding shares	$2.8 billion
Gross profit (TTM)	$4.2 billion
Profit margin	0.27%
Revenue (TTM)	$31.2 billion
Earnings per share (TTM)	$1.35
52-week stock price range	$28.71 – $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 September 17, 2026.

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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	$30.98
Market Capitalization The total market value of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage's outstanding shares	$714 million
Gross profit (TTM)	$449.8 million
Profit margin	3.55%
Revenue (TTM)	$1.3 billion
Earnings per share (TTM)	$2.05
52-week stock price range	$23.09 – $40.26

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 September 17, 2026.

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Burcon NutraScience Corporation (BU)

Burcon NutraScience Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides plant-based proteins and ingredients for the food and beverage industry in Canada and the United States. The company offers peas, hempseed, sunflower, canola, fava, and soy proteins used in dairy alternatives, meat alternatives, snacks and cereals, diet product, ready-to-mix and ready-to-drink beverages, as well as in nutritional supplements such as meal replacement shakes, egg alternatives, non-dairy frozen desserts, ready-to-mix beverages, whipped toppings, nutrition bars, protein cereal bars, soups and sauces, and breads and baked goods.

It also provides sports nutrition beverages, citrus-based drinks, fruit-flavored beverages, lemonades, powdered beverage mixes, and various non-beverage plant-based applications under CLARISOY brand; flax protein; and protein blends.

Closing stock price	C$1.49
Market Capitalization The total market value of Burcon NutraScience Corporation's outstanding shares	C$18.9 million
Gross profit (TTM)	C$-8,022,087
Revenue (TTM)	C$3.2 million
Earnings per share (TTM)	-C$1.16
52-week stock price range	C$1.30 – C$2.75

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 September 17, 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.

Related: Compare the best stock trading platforms in Canada

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. How to buy stocks in Canada

Frequently asked questions about specialty food stocks

• What are specialty food stocks?

  Specialty food stocks are shares of companies that either directly work in the specialty food sector or operate within related industries. Investors interested in buying specialty food stocks may be looking to take advantage of market trends or lock in investments for the long haul.

• What is the top specialty food stock to buy in 2026?

  Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to choose a single "top" specialty food stock to invest in due to factors like market fluctuations, company management and shifting economic trends. These can all change—sometimes overnight—how a stock performs. It's best to do your own research to decide which companies fit within your risk tolerance. Reviewing a company's financial reports and past stock performance can help you decide if it's worth investing in.

• Where can I find information and regular updates about the health food industry?

  You can keep track of the latest health food news and updates by signing up for financial newsletters, visiting financial news sites, reading company investor relations pages and using market research platforms. Many online brokerages also offer sector reports, stock screeners and alerts to help you track movements in your stock performance or updates in or related to the health food industry.

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:

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