DSM fills fish-alternative nutrient gap with EU-approved omega 3 derived from algae

05 Oct 2022 --- The European Commission has authorized DSM’s newly launched plant-based omega 3 solution for consumption and use in fish and meat alternatives across the EU. According to DSM, the product will improve the nutritional profile of plant-based products and allow for next-generation products that mimic those of animal-based fish products. 

Derived from algae, Life’s Omega delivers vegetarian eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – omega 3 fatty acids – to a wide range of food and beverage applications, including meat, fish and dairy alternatives and baked goods,” Gilbert Verschelling, director of business development and innovation, savory ingredients at DSM, tells NutritionInsight.

“As a plant-based alternative to traditional fish oils, this omega 3 solution can be used to improve the nutritional profile of products without impacting the marine ecosystem,” Verschelling underscores. “As part of our food system commitments, we’re working hard to reach 150 million people with nutritious and delicious plant-based foods by 2030.”

“With this ‘next-generation’ of plant-based products, consumers will no longer need to compromise on nutrition when choosing to add plant-based alternatives to their diets.”The product allows for DHA and EPA fortification without harming fish or the environment. 

Omega 3s, hold the fish
The company states that the product uses a natural, non-GMO, fermented alga packed with the same EPA and DHA as traditional fish products. Unlike alpha-linolenic acid, these micronutrients cannot be obtained from land sources. Since they help support immunity as well as the brain, heart and eye health, filling that nutrient gap is essential. Moreover, recent studies have shown that these fatty acids positively affect mood and sleep.

Plant-based product producers can fill those nutrition gaps without harming fish or their fragile ecosystems. 

“It is produced from marine algae strains that were discovered in the marine environment decades ago,” he explains. “Using a seed train, these algae are grown using a fermentation process in a closed, controlled system that is completely independent from the marine ecosystem.”

He continues: “It will be an important selling point for health-conscious consumers who check labels before they buy, allowing them to choose more nutritious and sustainable products. Especially as many people do not get the recommended levels of EPA and DHA omega 3s, this regulatory approval is a significant step for the nutrition industry.”

Limitless applicationsHealth conscious consumers can fill nutrition gaps in their plant-based diets.
DSM states that it foresees the algae-based omega 3 solution being used across a wide range of applications, from plant-based salmon burgers to vegan and vegetarian tuna salads. Furthermore, they hold that the products’ more neutral taste than fish oil means that it can be used to fortify a host of other animal-based alternative products. 

“Consumers want it all: taste, texture and health, but until now, there has been a significant nutrient gap in fish alternatives across Europe,” Verschelling elaborates. “Now European manufacturers can fortify meat and fish alternatives to mimic traditional fish products, to appeal to the rising number of vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian consumers.” 

He explains that by cultivating natural algae directly, it is the ideal alternative to omegas extracted from fish oils, while offering a sustainable nutritional solution that supports diverse consumer health needs.

“Consumers don’t have to compromise on nutrition when incorporating plant-based alternatives into their diet – they can enjoy it all with authentic products that tick all the boxes for taste, texture and health,” stresses Verschelling. “We believe that EU approval of Life’s Omega will help manufacturers elevate their plant-based offerings.”

By William Bradford Nichols

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