Unilever and biotech start-up Algenuity have announced a new partnership to delve into the huge potential microalgae bring in innovating future foods for Unilever’s plant-based portfolio. Algenuity, which specialises in developing microalgae for use in consumer products, will work with the R&D team within Unilever’s Foods and Refreshment (F&R) division to explore ways of bringing foods made with microalgae to the market.
Developing alternative protein sources like microalgae represents a significant step forwards in the critical shift needed to an equitable and resilient food system. By 2050, the world will need to produce 70 per cent more food to feed a growing population of 10 billion people. These foods will need to meet a high nutritional standard, while reducing their impact on the environment.
Unilever and Algenuity recognise the key role that diverse, plant-based proteins like microalgae will play in transitioning towards this new food system. Chlorella vulgaris, a widely recognised (micro)algae, is a nutrient-rich, plant-based source of protein and fibre, with a low environmental footprint. Chlorella possesses a number of additional beneficial nutrients including antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. It has been consumed globally for many years, yet its high chlorophyll content, which gives plants their green colour and a bitter taste and smell, has proven a barrier to its inclusion in mainstream diets.
Innovative technology unlocks new potential
Algenuity has developed an innovative technology to overcome this limitation. Its Chlorella Colours palette significantly reduces the chlorophyll content of microalgae while still allowing them to retain their natural nutrients. This unlocks a wealth of potential applications for microalgae in the food and beverage sector. It brings the opportunity to develop a sustainable source of protein that meets increasing consumer demand for nutritious foods that taste great.
“Microalgae offer much untapped potential as a viable, climate-friendly protein alternative. They have a significant part to play in food system transformation. We are very much looking forward to working with Algenuity to explore the possibilities of making foods that contain microalgae more mainstream,” says Alejandro Amezquita, Future Bio-based Ingredients R&D Director, Unilever F&R.
Andrew Spicer, CEO and Founder, Algenuity says, “We are delighted to partner with Unilever on this. Our Chlorella Colours platform provides plant-based ingredients that are sustainable, natural, non-GM and protein-rich with neutral flavours. They are also vegan-friendly making them extremely relevant for today’s growing consumer appetite for more plant-based foods with additional functional benefits.”
Manfred Aben, VP Science & Technology R&D and Site Leader of Hive, Unilever’s Global Foods Innovation Centre, in Wageningen adds, “We are very excited about the huge potential working with Algenuity brings to advance nutritious foods that taste great and are a force for good. Transitioning to a sustainable food system requires all of us to work together. It’s one of the world’s greatest challenges and will not happen without partnerships and collaborations. This is what our Hive ecosystem is all about. We are delighted to welcome Algenuity to our community.”
About Chlorella vulgaris
Chlorella vulgaris microalgae has been consumed for decades because of its nutritional properties. Now, Algenuity’s patent-pending Chlorella Colours variants are available in natural yellow, lime or white. Chlorella vulgaris is exempt from EU Novel Food Regulation, owing to a history of safe use.
Chlorella Colours opens up a wealth of applications in the food sector as a plant-based alternative with neutral taste and flavour for clean label, allergen-free formulation. These versatile ingredients also satisfy the requirements for natural, gluten-free, non-GM and Vegan diets.
Great flavour, colour and freshness demanded by formulators are created by the gentle drying process which also retains the functionality demanded when replacing dairy and animal proteins. Chlorella Colours ingredients naturally contain antioxidants, beta-glucan, B and E vitamins, magnesium, zinc and omega-6 fatty acids.
