Seaweed, also called sea vegetables, is a form of algae found in the sea. It’s a major food source for aquatic life and comes in different colors like green, red, brown, and black. Seaweed protein has an excellent profile of all amino acids, especially arginine, alanine, aspartic, glycine, and glutamic acids. Besides, seaweed proteins are a good source of bioactive components like lectins, peptides, and phycobiliproteins that may promote good health.
Scientific studies have shown seaweed proteins to have antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, antiviral, and several other beneficial health properties. The growing hunger crisis and rising demand for affordable and environmentally sustainable protein sources fuel the growth of the seaweed protein market.
The market for seaweed protein was valued at USD 481.82 million in 2022 and is expected to grow to USD 1,407.41 million at a CAGR of 11.3% during the forecast period.
Common Types of Seaweed
There exist a variety of edible seaweeds in the world. Below are some of the most common ones:
Nori: Nori is a type of dried, salty seaweed found on rocks in shallow sea. The seaweed type has been a part of Japanese cuisine for several centuries.
Sea lettuce: Sea lettuce is a type of green nori usually consumed in salads and soups. This seaweed type is known to have more calcium than whole milk and is a rich source of amino acids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Kelp: Kelp is a large brown alga growing in shallow, nutrient-rich saltwater near coastal regions. Kelp is commonly added to dishes while cooking.
Kombu: Kombu is a type of Kelp seaweed that’s dark greenish brown in color. This seaweed type has a strong flavor and is commonly used to make pickles or soup stock.
Health Benefits of Consuming Seaweed
Below are some of the top science-backed benefits of eating seaweed:
- Seaweed is a good source of iodine and an amino acid called tyrosine. The human body uses Iodine and tyrosine to produce hormones that support thyroid function.
- Seaweeds are a good source of protein and minerals.
- They contain a variety of protective antioxidants.
- Seaweeds have fiber and polysaccharides that can boost your gut health.
- Consuming seaweed may reduce heart disease risk.
- Seaweeds may aid in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar management.
What’s Driving the Market Growth?
Seaweed doesn’t need freshwater or arable land to grow, making it a sustainable food source. Also, it absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, which can aid in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With the rising concerns over environmental sustainability and health, there has been a growing demand for plant-based products in the past few years. Furthermore, many governments worldwide are supporting the development of the seaweed protein market as a sustainable protein source.
Technological innovations have made it easy and cost-effective to extract protein from seaweed. This, in turn, has opened new doors for the use of seaweed in several foods and beverages. Seaweed has been a part of Asian cuisine for several centuries, and the increasing popularity of Asian food worldwide is expected to favor seaweed-based products.
Red Seaweed Segment Is Expected to Dominate the Market
Red seaweed is high in protein content and has all the nine essential amino acids the human body needs. Red seaweed’s high protein content makes it an attractive protein source for the food and beverage sector. Besides, it can be used in various applications, such as supplements and cosmetics. Red seaweed’s versatility helps seaweed protein market key players in developing new products.
Recent Developments
In January 2023, BASF and Cargill announced their extended cooperation and added the US to their current agreement. The new partnership aims at offering high-performance enzyme products and solutions to animal protein producers in the US.
In November 2022, CP Kelco and Chr. Hansen joined forces to combine their expertise and solutions to develop breakthrough products.
To Sum It Up
With a continuous rise in the worldwide population, the demand for protein is also growing. Seaweed protein is an attractive option for consumers looking for plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy products. The increasing demand for protein is anticipated to boost the seaweed protein market sales in the coming years.