Italian algae startup KelpEat has announced the launch of a new high-protein snack made with Solein®, a microbial protein developed by Finnish food tech company Solar Foods. The crackers, which also incorporate EU-farmed seaweed, will be presented at the Pitti Taste food fair in Florence from February 8–10.
“Using Solein enables us to create a truly disruptive innovation”
Solein is a protein produced through a fermentation process using air and electricity, making it independent of agriculture, climate conditions, and land use. When combined with dried kelp, the resulting crackers contain over 35% protein, a full amino acid profile, and key nutrients such as vitamins B12 and B9, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants.
According to Luca Cerruti, CEO of KelpEat, “Using Solein enables us to create a truly disruptive innovation—one that delivers complete nutrition, environmental responsibility, and a bold step towards food sovereignty.” Cerruti describes the product as a “radical sustainability statement” and sees it as part of a broader effort to promote climate-positive foods.
Following the product’s debut in Italy, KelpEat plans to expand distribution to the United States, a key market for high-protein and functional foods.
Solein’s commercial expansion
For Solar Foods, this collaboration represents another step in the commercialization of Solein. The company, which has received novel food approval in Singapore and self-affirmed GRAS status in the US, expects EU Novel Food approval by 2026.
Solar Foods has shifted its focus from research and development to a global business strategy, particularly in the Health & Performance nutrition market. This segment, characterized by consumer demand for high-protein, low-fat, and nutrient-dense foods, is a key target for Solein-based products.
Solar Foods has previously partnered with companies such as Fazer and Ajinomoto, incorporating Solein into products like chocolate, ice cream sandwiches, and mooncakes.
Juan Manuel Benítez-García, chief commercial officer of Solar Foods, stated, “The product introduced by KelpEat is a perfect example of how Solein can perform exceptionally well in real-world applications in high-protein products and in the healthy snacking segment.”
