Darin Olien is known as “The Superfood Hunter.” And no, he’s not a big-game marksman. He’s a nutrition researcher who travels the world foraging for powerful, nutrient-dense foods. Think of ingredients like goji berries, ashwagandha, and maca root. A decade ago, most people had never heard of them. Now, they’re everywhere, from smoothie bars to the aisles of Whole Foods.
His biggest discovery is barùkas, a nutrient-dense nut from Brazil. But Darin has contributed far more to the wellness world than exotic ingredients. He’s a full-on wellness expert who shares advice on clean living and longevity through his podcast, TV show, and best-selling books.
Today, we’re going to touch on all of it. But since we’re on a major reading kick lately, we’re really focusing on his books. They’re some of our favorites, and we seriously can’t wait to tell you about them. And if you want to hear his wellness philosophy straight from the source, be sure to listen to Lauryn and Michael’s episode of the Him & Her Show featuring Darin Olien.
Darin Olien Book Summaries: Health Guides by the Superfood Hunter
In this post, we’re going to explain who Darin Olien is and what he brings to the wellness community. Then we’ll share summaries of his two books, so you can decide whether they deserve a spot on your reading list.
Who Is Darin Olien?
Darin Olien was born in Minnesota and studied exercise physiology before earning a master’s degree in psychology. Although he never set out to become a wellness expert, a major injury in his teens sparked a deep interest in how the body heals.
Over time, that curiosity grew into passion and purpose. Before long, he was trekking through jungles and crossing deserts to source exotic superfoods that would hopefully transform the food and wellness landscape in the U.S.
Today, Darin is a global wellness expert who shares his method, research, and philosophy through books, media appearances, and his podcast. Below are some of the core principles he’s best known for:
- Prioritizing whole, plant-based nutrition
- Avoiding toxins in daily products and environments
- Supporting the body through hydration, minerals, and clean water
- Exploring sustainable, regenerative food systems
- Sourcing nutrient-dense superfoods from around the world
- Encouraging lifestyle choices that support longevity and environmental health
What Does Darin Olien Do?
Hosts a Podcast
Darin hosts the aptly named The Darin Olien Show—his wellness and sustainability podcast. In it, he covers everything from plant-based nutrition and clean living to regenerative farming and longevity science.
For more on longevity, listen to the episode of the Him & Her Show with Peter Attia, author of Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity!
Hunts for Superfoods Around the World
He’s a self-proclaimed “Superfood Hunter,” but he’s really more like a superfood forager. He travels around the globe to find exotic nutrient-dense foods like barùkas.
Co-hosts the Netflix series Down to Earth
Darin co-hosts a Netflix series with none other than Zac Efron, called Down to Earth with Zac Efron. Pretty straightforward! The show centers around Darin taking Zac (and audiences) through new plants, foods, ecosystems, cultures, and lifestyle practices that all promote longevity.
Writes Wellness Books
Another way Darin shares his healthy lifestyle advice with the world is through his books. He has two notable works about wellness, toxins, and plant-based living. We’ll describe those below!
Manages the SuperLife Brand and Partners
Darin’s overarching wellness brand is called SuperLife. It’s more than a book, though—it’s a website, a set of courses, a product marketplace, and a community. There you can learn more about SuperLife, find free resources on wellness topics, and purchase from one of Darin’s brand partners.
Here are just a few companies under the SuperLife umbrella:
- Barùkas
- Bite Toothpaste
- Cymbiotika Supplements (Use code SKINNY for 15% off)
- Fatty15 Supplements
- Manna Vitality Supplements
- Shakeology
- Therasage (Here’s more on red light therapy.)
- Vivobarefoot
Advocates for Sustainability, Longevity, and Clean Living
Darin is a strong advocate for sustainability, longevity, and clean living. He promotes reducing toxins, choosing non-toxic home products, and supporting habits in everyday life to help the body thrive long term. His message is simple: healthier choices create a healthier you and a healthier planet.
If you’re feeling inspired after listening to the Darin Olien podcast with TSC, listen to the episode called How To Create a Non-Toxic Home, Use Clean Swaps & Protect Your Family From Hidden Chemical Exposure Ft. Branch Basics Co-Founder Allison Evans.
Books By Darin Olien: Guides to Clean Living and Long-Term Health
This book outlines Darin Olien’s five “life forces.” These are nutrition, hydration, detoxification, oxygenation, and alkalization. He explains how simple daily habits rooted in whole-food choices, clean water, movement, and mindful living can improve overall wellness. It serves as his blueprint for building a more balanced and resilient lifestyle.
This book uncovers the hidden dangers in modern life, including personal care products, plastics, household chemicals, and everyday technology. Darin explains how these common conveniences may harm long-term health.
He also offers plenty of practical swaps and habit changes to reduce exposure and create a cleaner, safer environment. It is part investigation and part guide to low-tox living. Perfect for anyone looking to invest in their health beyond food!
Darin Olien’s books offer a practical yet inspiring roadmap for anyone looking to improve their health through clean living and sustainable habits.
We love a good book. And we really love a good book that inspires us to rethink our habits, upgrade our routines, and live a little cleaner every single day. If Darin’s work sparks even one tiny shift in your lifestyle, consider it a win for your health and the planet.
If you love this book, definitely browse our founder Lauryn’s Goodreads page for more ideas. And, check out these other health and wellness authors that are sure to help you live better, too: