All-natural may be all the rage in the food world, but will candy lovers have a sweet tooth for beet juice and purple cabbage?

From heart-friendly margarines to sugary cereals that strengthen bones, once-demonized foods are being spiked with nutrients to give them a healthier glow—and consumers are biting, even on some that are little more than dressed-up junk food. A report to be released today finds that even in a weak economy, people will pay a premium for products seen as preventing a health problem or providing a good alternative to sodas and empty-calorie snacks. The report is from research firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Diet trends come and go. And what’s hot now is acai berries and pomegranate juice. They are being touted as superfoods, full of antioxidants that ravage free radicals, substances that can damage organs and vessels and lead to heart disease, diabetes and other health problems. But if you ask experts, there are no magic foods and really no shortcuts for getting healthy.

Academics, fitness and a healthy dinner are on the menu at a new after-school initiative at L. Douglas Wilder Middle School in Henrico County. Two days a week, students in the school’s Recipe for Success program get to study, exercise and—best of all—eat.