This Fish-Free ‘Smoked Salmon’ Is Actually Made From Fresh Algae
Food company IFF-DuPont has partnered with SimpliiGood by Algaecore Technologies Ltd to come up with the first commercial smoked salmon substitute made entirely from fresh spirulina, blue-green algae that have been dubbed a superfood.
Although there’s nary a fish used in the process, the plant-based salmon mimics the appearance, color, texture, and taste of regular smoked salmon, but serves as a healthier option that comes without the ocean pollutants usually found in the fish we consume.
While most people are wary of mercury levels in fish, the sea creatures are often exposed to other substances such as fossil fuels and industrial waste, which aren’t as appetizing if you think about them making their way into your belly.
Enter the spirulina-based salmon, which is made from 100% fresh, minimally produced ingredients, and contains a staggering 40% of protein. To create the marvel, SimpliiGood provides the raw materials, texture, and color, while IFF-DuPont brings the flavor and aroma of the dish.
Interestingly, in order to create the plant-based dish, the companies patented two technological breakthroughs. The first was for the texturization in forming the salmon-like chunks from spirulina, and the second was for giving the iconic orange hue by identifying and isolating a pigment naturally present in the ingredient.
“Our spirulina can act as a complete replacement for animal-based protein or be easily integrated into existing food products as an added-value ingredient, as it has a neutral flavor and maintains its full nutritional value,” explained Algaecore CEO Lior Shalev.
“This project marks an exciting milestone in our company’s product line expansion as we enter the fish substitute market,” he added.
If you’re vegetarian, or are just excited to try this innovative product, keep your eyes peeled as the creators expect the product to hit shelves by the end of 2023.
[via Vegconomist and SimpliiGood / PR Newswire, cover image via PRNewsfoto/SimpliiGood]
