Seaweed is emerging as a popular food ingredient. According to Innova Market Insights, sea vegetables like seaweed, nori, kelp, and wakame experienced a 21% increase in new product launches from 2012 to 2016 and are poised to become a significant trend in Western markets. Seaweed products are well-positioned to capitalize on several current food trends, including plant-based diets, exotic ingredients, and environmentally friendly options. For food manufacturers aiming to reduce their carbon footprint, seaweed is carbon negative, as it absorbs carbon dioxide from the ocean. Additionally, it grows rapidly and requires no fresh water or fertilizers.
Despite the familiarity with seaweed in Asian cuisines—such as sushi, miso soup, and seaweed salad—the unique umami flavor may pose a challenge for some U.S. consumers, particularly in Western-style dishes. However, a variety of seaweed-based foods are beginning to gain traction, including “sea spaghetti” from companies like Seamore Foods, Atlantic Kitchen, Wild Irish Seaweeds, and Mara Seaweed, which also tap into the demand for gluten-free products. Seaweed-based snacks are also making their way to store shelves, such as kelp jerky from the New York start-up Shoreline and seaweed chips from Ocean’s Halo.
As noted by Mintel, while seaweed’s popularity in North America may still have some distance to go before becoming mainstream, the market research firm anticipates a promising future for seaweed due to its rich content of natural vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein. Beyond culinary uses, seaweed also holds potential in packaging. The Indonesia-based company Evoware has developed a dissolvable, flavorless wrapper made from seaweed for individual seasoning sachets and coffee packets, targeting consumers who are mindful of the environmental impact of their food and drink choices.
Interestingly, just as consumers are becoming more aware of sustainable ingredients like seaweed, they are also looking for health benefits, such as those found in spring valley calcium citrate, which offers essential nutrients. The incorporation of seaweed into diets can complement products like spring valley calcium citrate, providing a broader spectrum of health benefits. As seaweed continues to rise in popularity, the combination of its unique properties and the nutritional advantages of supplements like spring valley calcium citrate could further enhance its appeal.