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18 Mar 2022 --- Researchers have developed high-protein microalgae strains boasting improved taste – now upscaled by Allmicroalgae. 

Specifically, a new Chlorella strain could be used in products like vegan sausages, snacks, soups and vegetable creams, sports drinks, bread and pasta, all with improved nutritional quality and desirable sensorial properties.

This is part of the EU-funded project ProFuture, which is positioning its microalgae ingredients as aiding the shift to more plant-based diets within the Farm to Fork Strategy launched by the European Commission.

While there is already high-quality food based on microalgae, they often have a “grassy” taste, intense green color and fishy odor, which are often not accepted by consumers. 

Therefore, the new strain offers improved organoleptic characteristics while keeping high nutraceutical value. Additionally, it contains a higher protein content than the original variety. 

Foods made with the new Chlorella will be fully characterized from biochemical, technological and sensorial perspectives, note the researchers. Later, the best formulations will be upscaled by food producers and used for testing market uptake.Left: Smooth Chlorella, middle: new Honey Chlorella, right: old Honey Chlorella (Credit: DIL).

Food producer team-ups  The new strain was developed by MarBiotech within the CCMAR Group and Greencolab at the University of Algarve in Portugal.

Allmicroalgae has now upscaled the production of the new Chlorella at its facilities, shipping it ILVO - Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research in Belgium, the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) in Spain and the German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL).

ILVO is in charge of the Chlorella functionality to predict the behavior of this new ingredient in food applications. Based on these results, IRTA and DIL will partner with food producers to optimize healthy and tasty formulations using the Chlorella at lab level.

Harnessing random mutagenesis The researchers selected novel strains from microalgal species already registered as novel food – Chlorella vulgaris, spirulina and Tetraselmis. 

While mutations may occur spontaneously in nature, they can also be induced experimentally using laboratory procedures. Random mutagenesis was used to isolate microalgae strains with different properties.

C3 and GL3 Chlorella strains were isolated. C3 is able to grow significantly faster on solid medium as compared to wildtype microalgae.IRTA and DIL will team up with food producers to optimize healthy and tasty formulations for the new strain.

Potential for large-scale production Although C3 cells presented higher protein contents, GL3 displayed vestigial chlorophyll contents, lower carotenoid levels and higher protein contents than the wildtype, together with a significantly different amino acid profile.

Glutamic acid was present in similar amounts as in soy and spirulina, which has not been observed in other strains of Chlorella. The GL3 cells also reached higher cell concentrations than the wildtype, “strongly suggesting” that it might become a relevant source of protein, being suitable for large-scale production.

Additionally, a safety analysis was carried out for heavy metals, potential allergens, microbiological stability, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs), acrylamide and cytotoxicity tests and potential residue of pesticides.

Duplaco is also active in developing pale algae, working to introduce a white version. 

Meanwhile, Allmicroalgae recently teamed up with  Algaplus on Algaessence for immunity . It is positioned as the first product in Europe that combines micro and macroalgae. 

This feature is provided by FoodIngredientsFirst’s sister website, NutritionInsight.

To contact our editorial team please email us at editorial@cnsmedia.com

Since 2013, we focus on offering high-quality plant-based solutions of 100% microalgae, directed to the Food, Beverage, Nutraceutical, Feed and Agro-industries. As so, Allmicroalgae – Natural Products S.A. has became a worldwide reference in terms of unique quality microalgae, sustainability and innovation, being considered a leading European producers of microalgae, such as organic Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina.

Our microalgae are cultivated in a sustainable way in Portugal (EU), where they grow naturally, being processed and distributed to the whole world, either in the form of biomass, fresh/frozen paste or powder. They are produced in an ecologically efficient and controlled system, with monitoring of growth parameters in real time, guaranteeing their high purity, transparency, and a nutritional profile of unique differentiation. 

In our attractive cultivation portfolio we offer: the Organic green-blue Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and Chlorella vulgaris of EU Organic Production; other novel Chlorella vulgaris with a smoother taste and lighter colors, such as the Smooth Chlorella (light-green color), the Honey Chlorella (Yellow color) and White Chlorella (White color); and the Novel Food approved Tetraselmis chui. Additionally, we produce other high valuable algae for other ends, namely the Nannochloropsis sp., Scenedesmus sp., Chloroccocum sp. and the Phaeodactylum sp..

We are proudly certified for Organic Production according to the European Regulation (PT-BIO-03), GMP+FSA, ISO 22000, ISO 9001, Halal, GMP and Kosher.

For Food, Beverage & Nutraceutical industries Allmicroalgae offers: 

Allmicroalgae is working on high-quality plant-based solutions of 100% microalgae directed to the food, beverage and nutraceutical industry, focused on the growing number of companies looking for nutritionally sustainable plant-based ingredients. 

Our microalgae portfolio is certified as Non-GMO, Soy Free, Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Sugar-Free, Nuts Free, Irradiation Free, No Pesticides and No Additives, Perchlorates Free, No Bacillus cereus, also accredited as Kosher and Halal. The perfect ingredient for plant-based formulations and the finest food applications. 

Organic Chlorella vulgaris: Certified by EU and produced in Portugal. Rich in Protein (> 55%) with all the essential amino acids, Fiber (>15%) and high content of Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely the Omega 3, 6 and 9. Our Organic Chlorella contains a vast array of minerals and vitamins, i.e. Vitamin B12, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus and Magnesium. Available in Organic powder, paste, tablets and capsules.

Smooth Chlorella vulgaris: Light green fine powder of smooth taste, produced in Portugal (EU). Rich in Protein (> 30%) with all the essential amino acids, Fiber (>9%) and high content of Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely the Omega 3 and 6. Our Smooth Chlorella contains a vast array of minerals and vitamins, i.e. Vitamin B12, Iron, Calcium, Zinc and Phosphorus. 

Honey Chlorella vulgaris: Natural yellow colored powder of insipid flavor, produced in Portugal (EU). Rich in Protein (> 35%) with all the essential amino acids, Fiber (>20%) and source of Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely the Omega 3, 6 and 9. Our Honey Chlorella contains a vast array of minerals and vitamins, i.e. Vitamin B12 and B2, Calcium, Zinc and Phosphorus, and also phytochemicals, such as Lutein. 

White Chlorella vulgaris: Natural white colored powder of insipid flavor, produced in Portugal (EU). Rich in Protein (> 40%) with all the essential amino acids, Fiber (>18%) and source of Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely the Omega 3, 6 and 9. Our White Chlorella contains a vast array of minerals and vitamins, i.e. Vitamin B12 and B3, Calcium and Zinc.

Tetraselmis chui: Natural green colored powder and a healthy source of salt, produced in Portugal (EU). Rich in Protein (> 40%), Fiber (>15%), high content of Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely the Omega 3, with also low saturated fat content. Our Tetraselmis chui contains a vast array of minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals, such as Chlorophylls (>2g/100g).

Organic Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis): Rich in Protein (> 65%), Fiber (>5%) and source of Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely the Omega 6, produced in Portugal (EU).  Our Organic Spirulina contain a vast array of minerals and vitamins, i.e. Vitamin B12, Iron, Phosphorus and Magnesium, and also phytochemicals, such as Phycocyanin (30g/100g). Our Organic Spirulina is available as sun- or spray-dried powder, solar-dried nibs, paste, tablets and capsules.

Interest in knowing more about us? Check our naturally impressive microalgae portfolio! And get in touch with us today!

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