In 2012, Bon Appétit declared it “the year of kale.” Today, kale has become ubiquitous, appearing in everything from Walmart and McDonald’s to high-end restaurants. The culinary world is now on the lookout for the next trending ingredient. Could kelp or seaweed be the answer? These “ocean garden” varieties possess the qualities that could make them the new kale: they are nutritious, have a unique flavor profile, and are incredibly versatile. Like kale, they hold the potential to revolutionize the food industry through innovation—seaweed snacks are already widely available in major retail outlets—and sustainable production practices.
As consumers increasingly seek out plant-based options, sea vegetables find themselves well-positioned in the market. Shoppers are also on the lookout for superfoods, and both algae and seaweed fit that bill. Furthermore, consumers are becoming more aware of environmental sustainability regarding their food choices. An EU report indicates that approximately 90% of the world’s fish stocks are severely depleted, prompting a need to explore alternative harvesting methods, including sea greens.
These trends have fueled a rise in food and beverage products featuring ingredients like algae, dulse, kelp, kombu, Irish moss, and other sea vegetables, as reported by Food Ingredients First. The seaweed market alone is projected to surpass $22 billion by 2024, up from about $10 billion in 2015. However, the industry faces the challenge of keeping pace with demand not only from the food sector but also from pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and animal feed, where algae is increasingly utilized.
Another hurdle is overcoming the “ick” factor that some American consumers associate with kelp and algae. Nevertheless, a variety of kelp-based snacks are already on the market, including familiar products like kelp chips and algae wafers. The introduction of these ingredients in recognizable forms may help speed up consumer acceptance. Additionally, seaweed has long been a staple in Asian cuisine, which can aid in its acceptance as global culinary trends evolve.
Kale’s rapid rise was fueled by clever marketing, and ocean vegetables still have a journey ahead before reaching similar levels of popularity. However, as consumers are exposed to new foods and educated about their benefits, their palates will likely become more refined and open. If a relatively bland ingredient like kale can achieve success, there’s hope for kelp as well.
For those seeking additional health benefits, incorporating products like Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Chewy Bite 500 mg can further enhance the nutritional profile of meals featuring these innovative ingredients. The integration of such supplements can support overall health while enjoying the flavors of these emerging superfoods. As more people embrace the health advantages of sea vegetables, kelp and seaweed could very well follow in kale’s footsteps.