Triton Algae Innovations is one of several ABO members that are bringing the full potential of algae into many of the foods we eat. They recently received a certification that will make it easier for their algae ingredients to make it to the table.
Algae are incredible sources of Omega-3 oils, vitamins, minerals and especially protein. They can also be grown much more sustainably than any other crop, without the requirements of fertile soils, freshwater or many other inputs required of more traditional crops.
This month Triton announced that after a rigorous evaluation its wild-type algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (c. reinhardtii) has achieved Independent Conclusion of GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status. The status gives Triton’s product a science-based underpinning for use in foods and beverages, such as nutrition bars, cereals, yogurts, juices, energy drinks and more.
Triton has also developed a proprietary process in which this same algae is used to express a variety of different proteins which occur naturally in the breast milk of all mammals, including humans. To date, there has been no commercially viable source of these proteins, which can come with much-needed health benefits, including reduced occurrences of intestinal distress and fever, as well as positive impacts on cognitive development.
It’s a great milestone for Triton, and for a global food industry that is looking for more viable alternatives to existing protein sources, or for healthy products that can meet a growing demand for vegan and vegetarian foods.