Biotis, a new range of alga based ingredients full of omega-3s.

© FrieslandCampina Ingredients

Ingredients

FrieslandCampina Ingredients Unveils Alga-Based Omega-3 Powder for Vegan Dairy & More

The ingredients arm of the Dutch dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina, announces the launch of Biotis DHA Flex Powder, a range of microencapsulated alga-based ingredients, which includes one product specifically design for vegan dairy and other plant-based products. FrieslandCampina Ingredients, which specializes in microencapsulation technology, says its new algae-based products will help brands create high-quality food, drinks, and supplements that provide the multiple health benefits of omega-3 while meeting the dietary preferences and expectations of consumers. According to the company, 53% of Europeans and 63% of Americans acknowledge the importance of omega-3s for brain, eye, and cardiovascular health. Despite this awareness, global DHA intake remains low due the challenge in finding tasty vegan or vegetarian products. Vicky Davies, Global Marketing Director at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, comments: “Biotis® DHA Flex …

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Algae-based omega-3 supplements

© iwi life

Health

Algae-Based Omega-3 Supplements May Have More Cardiovascular Benefits Than Fish Oil

A clinical trial has demonstrated that a type of algae-based omega-3 supplement (AlmegaPL, the functional ingredient in products made by US brand iwi life) may support cardiovascular health more effectively than traditional fish oils. The algae oil was found to decrease triglycerides by 14%, four times what would be expected from conventional omega-3 supplements. It also reduced remnant cholesterol by up to 25%, supporting theories that EPA-only omega-3s may perform better than those containing both EPA and DHA (two types of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids). There was no increase in LDL cholesterol in those taking AlmegaPL, whereas supplements containing both types of fatty acid have been shown to raise cholesterol levels. Unexpectedly, 12 weeks of supplementation also reduced hip circumference and body weight compared to …

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PhytoLove plant-based omega-3

© PhytoLove

Products & Launches

PhytoLove Launches Complete Plant-Based Omega Supplement in Australia Made From Regeneratively Grown Seed

Australian company PhytoLove has launched a new type of plant-based omega supplement that aims to address the limitations of other products in the category. The most common type of omega-3 supplement is fish oil, which contributes to overfishing and can contain pollutants such as dioxins, PCBs, and heavy metals. Some consumers seeking a more ethical alternative have turned to plant-based products such as flax oil, which contains good levels of the short-chain fatty acid ALA but may not convert well to longer-chain fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. PhytoLove’s product, Ahiflower, is made from a wild plant that was discovered in the UK. Its main ingredient is Buglossoides arvensis seed oil, which is said to provide a complete lipid profile containing or efficiently forming …

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Four samples of alga-based oils in tubes

Image courtesy of GC Rieber VivoMega

Algae, Microalgae & Seaweed

VivoMega’s New Omega-3 Supplements from Microalgae Gain V-Label Certification

GC Rieber VivoMega, a Norwegian manufacturer of fish oils, has expanded into the algae oil market with a new line of vegan DHA Omega-3 concentrates derived from marine microalgae. Today, the company announces that it has received the International V-Label certification for its new vegan products. Established in Switzerland in 1996, the V-Label certification has set a precise definition and criteria to classify products as vegan or vegetarian to ensure the quality and the origin of ingredients while allowing consumers to identify products quickly.  “This certification further helps validate our efforts to provide a superior product with exceptional purity parameters and optimal sensory profiles. We launched our vegan DHA omega-3 at Expo West this year and received great customer feedback and engagement,” said Ståle Søfting, Sales and Marketing …

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DSM tuna

© DSM

Algae, Microalgae & Seaweed

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Health Benefits Beyond Fish

As a high-quality and often lean protein, fish is highly regarded worldwide as part of a balanced diet. Be it a flaky, white cod or an oily mackerel, the health benefits of eating fish are numerous and well-known. One of fish’s main selling points is that it’s a tasty and convenient way of getting the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – also known as omega-3 fatty acids – which we all need for good health. What makes these omega-3 fatty acids so important? The human body can make most varieties of fat it needs. But omega-3 fatty acids are different, these can only be obtained from food, drinks, and supplements. There is also a lot of variety within omega-3s. EPA and DHA long-chain …

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Simris upgrades its algae farm to produce more ingredients

© Simris

Algae, Microalgae & Seaweed

Simris Upgrades its Algae Farm to Double Down on Mission to Replace Fish

Simris Group AB (previously Simris Alg AB) recently announced that after a deep cleaning and various upgrades of its algae farm operations in Hammenhög, Sweden, in January, its algae growth rates are more than three times the previous record rates.  Simris Group is a pioneering Swedish agribusiness growing microalgae founded in 2011 by Fredrika Gullfot. Besides growing algae, the company identifies high-value, natural, biologically active compounds (such as EPA and DHA Omega-3) in microalgae and cyanobacteria to extract for skincare, nutrition, and biopharmaceutical applications.  In 2020, Simris announced a capital raise to launch its products in the US market, claiming it has developed an industrial process to produce omega-3, as an alternative to fish oil and krill. Natural products Simris sustainably grows microalgae and cyanobacteria in optimised …

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lechia range

© Lechia

Food & Beverage

Brooklyn’s Lechia Launches Chia + Flax and Macadamia Milk Range Packed With Omega 3

Lechia announces the launch of a new line of Chia + Flax and Macadamia milk products which the brand says are made sustainably and contain a huge 1200mg of Omega 3s. The plant-based milks are also certified organic, vegan, kosher, gluten-free, carrageenan-free, and non-GMO. The New York based brand was founded by industry vet Kristen Palmer, previously of NadaMoo, Milkadamia, and Savorly. Lechia Macadamia nut milk is currently available in vanilla, unsweetened, and original flavors, as well as vanilla Chia & Flax milk. The brand states that Lechia milk has a creamy, light mouthfeel which makes it suitable for breakfasts, coffee drinks, baking, smoothies, and cocktails. “Filled with fiber, calcium and an excellent source of omega-3s, Lechia is redefining “milk”. Lechia has honed in on …

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Malibu Mylk Pink Smoothie

©Malibu Mylk

Food & Beverage

Malibu Mylk Creates Flax Mylk – World’s First High-Fiber Milk Made From Whole Flaxseeds

Malibu Mylk, a California-based non-dairy beverage brand, introduces Flax Mylk, the first-ever milk produced from whole, organic flaxseeds. Available in 700 US grocery stores, Flax Mylk’s shelf-stable products are also sold online through Thrive Market and malibumylk.com. While established brands like Good Karma already offer flax-derived milk alternatives, Malibu says its products are the first to preserve the entire flaxseed in the end product without straining. Rich in fiber, flax is a 4,000-year-old superfood that is a top source of vegan omega-3 fatty acids. The mighty seed is also believed to contain anti-inflammatory properties, help lower cholesterol, improve heart health and soothe digestive ailments.  Malibu’s Flax Mylk is completely allergen-friendly and made without gums, oils or synthetic vitamins. Instead of refined sugar, the brand’s sweetened …

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Andrés Montefeltro CEO and co-founder of CUBIQ FOODS - Dr. Raquel Revilla CSO

Andrés Montefeltro CEO and co-founder of CUBIQ FOODS - Dr. Raquel Revilla CSO (© Céline Pech Fotografia)

Company News

Spanish Startup CUBIQ FOODS Receives 5M EUR From Blue Horizon Ventures For Cultivated Fats

Blue Horizon Ventures joins MOIRA CAPITAL PARTNERS on an investment project for Spanish startup CUBIQ FOODS‘s product; clean fats created with cell culture. CUBIQ was founded in Barcelona by  Dr. Raquel Revilla and Andrés Montefeltro in response to an increasing industry demand for health and wellness ingredients.

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Vmega-3

Image: Vbites

Market & Trends

Heather Mills Launches Vegan Omega 3 – Fishless Omega 3 Market to Reach US$1.3 Billion

Heather Mills’ plantbased company VBites has launched a vegan Omega 3 supplement, called V-mega 3. The global fish-free omega-3 ingredients market in 2019 is foreseen to turn over a revenue of worth US$ 590 million, according to a recent report by Transparency Market Research, and is estimated to reach almost US$ 1.3 billion by 2029.

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Andrés Montefeltro CEO and co-founder of CUBIQ FOODS - Dr. Raquel Revilla CSO

Andrés Montefeltro CEO and co-founder of CUBIQ FOODS - Dr. Raquel Revilla CSO (© Céline Pech Fotografia)

Interviews

CUBIQ: “Bringing to the Market the Best Way to Incorporate Omega-3 in People’s Diets”

CUBIQ FOODS is a clean fat startup in Barcelona, founded by entrepreneurs Dr. Raquel Revilla and Andrés Montefeltro, who use cell culture to respond to an increasing industry demand for health and wellness ingredients. The process used to produce the fats is sustainable and avoids any harm to animals.

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