# Seaweed-Based Bacon Alternatives Umaro Foods Develops Plant-Based Bacon from Ocean-Farmed Seaweed By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2022-04-08 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/umaro-foods References: [foodbusinessnews.net](https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/21057-seaweed-based-bacon-makes-splash-on-shark-tank) & [umarofoods](https://www.umarofoods.com/)  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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/streaky-beef-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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kelpeat-snack) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ham-alternative). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Delectable Plant-Based Bacons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-bacons.md) - [Low-Fat Plant-Based Bacon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/77-foods-bacon.md) - [Ready-to-Eat Plant-Based Bacon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crispy-bacon-style-strips.md) - [Better-for-You Plant-Based Bacon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ozo-plantbased-bacon.md) - [Sizzling Plant-Based Bacon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/true-bite-plantbased-bacon.md) - [Plant-Based Smoked Bacon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-smoked-bacon.md) - [Plant-Based Bacon Crumbles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crumbled-bacon-toppings.md) - [Umami Microalgae Sausages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-mortadella.md) - [Plant-Based Smoked Salmons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-smoked-salmon.md)