Lead institution:
Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO) – Belgium
As society shifts away from animal-based diets driven by environmental sustainability, health, and animal welfare concerns, both seaweeds and microalgae (referred to as algae) have emerged as promising sustainable food sources due to their carbon capture capabilities and interesting nutrient profile, including proteins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids.
Despite their potential, the widespread adoption of algal biomass in food faces significant hurdles on the European markets, primarily stemming from consumer acceptance regarding their impact on taste, aroma, and visual appeal in food products. AlgFlavor addresses several knowledge gaps and challenges hindering the integration of algae into European diets. Recent research shows the broad diversity of flavor profiles among different algae, which also depend on cultivation and processing conditions. The potential of specific marine algae was highlighted for developing seafood alternatives due to their intrinsic seafood flavor.
AlgFlavor will identify the optimal cultivation and processing conditions to improve the seafood flavor of the algae. Production conditions with desired flavor qualities will then be scaled while maintaining consistency. AlgFlavor adopts a multidisciplinary approach encompassing cultivation science, food technology, food chemistry, sensory evaluation, consumer behavior research, and sustainability and risk-benefit assessment. This approach will bridge the gap between algal producers and the food industry, creating a resilient blue economy.
By supporting the growth of the seafood alternatives sector using low trophic species, the project has a positive environmental impact through reducing the pressure on marine animal stocks. As a result, AlgFlavor aligns with the EU’s Blue Bioresources priority area by promoting sustainable food production and reducing pressure on marine ecosystems.
Start Date:1/1/2025
End Date: 31/12/2028
Lead Contact: Johan Robbens (johan.robbens@ilvo.vlaanderen.be)