DuPont backs spirulina ‘smoked salmon’ venture
International food conglomerate IFF DuPont is supporting a plan to create a “smoked salmon” substitute made from algae.
SIMPLIIGOOD, developed by Israel-based Algaecore Technologies, is a product based on spirulina, a blue-green algae which is already being used as a food supplement.
The plant-based salmon-like cut is crafted to take on the appearance, colour, texture, and flavour of smoked salmon. Composed of 100% pure, fresh, minimally processed spirulina, it is a clean-label product and is 40% complete protein.
An agreement for strategic cooperation was signed between the Israeli Innovation Authority, SimpliiGood, and FoodNxt—the innovation lab established by global food, beverage, nutraceutical, and fragrances industry leader IFF-DuPont. SimpliiGood provides the raw material and texture and colour qualities, while IFF-DuPont contributes the flavour and aroma attributes. The product is expected to hit the market by the end of 2023.
The spirulina is grown at Algaecore’s indoor farm in the southern desert region of Israel. The company produces 50 tons of spirulina per year, with a harvest every 24 hours. The farm recycles 98% of its water.
Algaecore argues that, as it does not come from the ocean, its product will be free of marine pollutants.
The new “salmon analogue” will join a series of existing spirulina-based SimpliiGood branded products marketed in Israel to food producers and directly to consumers. Its current portfolio encompasses a range of meat substitutes, including hamburgers and chicken nuggets, as well as popsicles, ice cream, crackers, and beverages where spirulina serves either as the base ingredient or as nutritional enrichment.
Lior Shalev, CEO and Co-founder of Algaecore, said: “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 flavour and maintains its full nutritional value. This project marks an exciting milestone in our company’s product line expansion as we enter the fish substitute market.”
In the first phase, the company will focus on producing a pure, spirulina-based smoked salmon analogue, with plans to expand to additional fish analogues in the future.
Spirulina is a naturally rich source of whole protein, plus antioxidants, chlorophyll, vitamins, (including B12), and minerals, especially iron. The spirulina market is relatively young and is dominated by dried and powdered forms of the ingredient. SimpliiGood cultivates and markets a specific strain of 100% raw fresh spirulina that boasts 90% bioavailability (a measure of how easily the nutrients are absorbed by human consumers), making it a powerful addition to any food application.
“This project marks an exciting milestone