Seaweed, one of the world's fastest-growing plants, is also abundantly rich in protein and it is the star ingredient in Umaro Foods' plant-based bacon. Thanks to ocean-farmed seaweed, the company creates a meatless alternative to bacon and its protein of choice replaces heme. As co-founder Beth Zotter describes, "We are pioneers at the forefront of a new frontier in protein. We’re developing advanced systems in high-tech ocean farming and precision protein extraction that will unlock the ocean as our future source of protein.”
Seaweed-based ingredients are also used for the purposes of encapsulating plant-based oils into fat that produces a crispy, crunchy texture. Umaro Foods sets itself apart as the first and only company to commercialize seaweed protein and future developments may include breakfast meat and other cured meats.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Seaweed-based Proteins
- Seaweed-based ingredients are being commercialized for the development of meatless alternatives, opening opportunities for companies to innovate in protein production.
- Precision Protein Extraction
- The development of advanced systems in high-tech ocean farming and protein extraction from seaweed opens up a new frontier in the field of protein sources.
- Crispy Plant-based Oils
- Encapsulating plant-based oils in seaweed fat that produces a crispy texture is being used in meatless alternatives, paving the way for innovation in plant-based food production.
Where This Applies
- Food Manufacturing
- As seaweed proteins are used for the development of meatless alternatives, food manufacturers can explore this opportunity to innovate in the protein production industry.
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Developing advanced systems in high-tech ocean farming opens up opportunities for sustainable agriculture companies and further research in seaweed farming.
- Plant-based Food Production
- The use of seaweed-based ingredients in the development of meatless alternatives opens new opportunities for plant-based food production companies to devise innovative ways to produce plant-based oils and fats for plant-based substitutes.
