Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

Development of an algae-containing soup: specifications and implementation

The ProFuture project involved the development of a soup containing algae. This was based on the ideas and specifications of the company Alver. Flavour was specified as a carrot and ginger soup. The product should be vegan, as natural as possible with no artificial colours or flavours added, and allow “organic” (if possible) as well as “high protein” claims. Beyond allergens, such as soy and gluten, animal-derived products were excluded. Other allergens should be reduced to a minimum. The most important point was that the colour of the soup is not affected by the algae. Hence, only algae products with light colour were eligible. Lastly, a long shelf-life of at least one year was demanded. To avoid negative effects through a preservation step, e.g., vitamin loss, colour changes, it was decided to mix a dry soup that the consumers boil with water themselves.
 
Ingredients matching the specifications were carefully selected in consultation with Alver. In addition, Givaudan was supporting in terms of colour and taste and provided promising ingredients that complied with the specifications. Initially, experiments were carried out with smooth Chlorella vulgaris from Allmicroalgae, but the colour of the soup was affected too much. Finally, three lighter algae products from Allmicroalgae were chosen to be tested in the soup: white Chlorella vulgaris, honey Chlorella vulgaris and a new yellow Chlorella vulgaris mutant that was developed by the ProFuture consortium. First, the influence of the three algae on the taste and colour of the same basic recipe was investigated. After the new yellow Chlorella mutant had been chosen as favourite product, the final recipe with the most favoured taste was developed by using different spices as well as ratios.
Source Project
ProFuture
Ongoing | 2019-2023
Main funding source
Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
Spain
Project details

Project Keywords