More than fish food: Rimfrost and Møreforskning partner to research krill protein

14 Dec 2022 --- Norway-based Rimfrost and Møreforskning have partnered in a US$14 million EU Horizon Europe-backed project to research the nutritional value of hydrolyzed krill protein and how to make it applicable in human food.

“We are doing R&D, especially on the enzymatically hydrolyzed krill protein,” Hallgeir Sterten, senior vice president of R&D at Rimfrost Group, tells NutritionInsight. “We are investigating the amino acid profiles, bioavailability and possible bioactive peptides.”

About 16 products with ingredients from seven protein sources will be developed and tested. Possible future products envisioned through the research include protein enriched foods for the elderly, infants, sports nutrition, instant food and broths, among others.

Krill protein hydrolysates have significant potential to meet the EAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet, Health requirements. The commission brought 37 scientists together to establish the possibilities of feeding a future global population of 10 billion a healthy, environmentally sustainable diet.

Nourished in clean waters
Rimfrost’s krill spawn in the southern ocean, and feed on phytoplankton, which makes them highly nutritious.

“We have a patent on the enzymatically hydrolysis of fresh krill on-board of the harvesting vessel. This means we have exclusivity on doing R&D on this specific krill protein. We also have the trademark “Krill collection” and strong investors backing the investments in R&D,” Sterten explains.

Møreforskning’s research facilities are used to optimize the krill protein concentrate’s appearance, smell and taste. The company will work on purification, fractionation and downstream processes.

Rimfrost brings competence in enzymatic hydrolysis, protein quality and the possible health benefits of krill protein hydrolysates.The physical and organoleptic properties of the krill are being tested to determine in what ways it is suitable to be used in food. 

They conduct gentle on-board hydrolysis of the krill at the fishery to produce a protein rich in peptides, amino acids, bioactives and potent antioxidants, astaxanthin and polyphenols. 

As a result, the carbon footprint of the krill is much lower than many conventional food protein sources.

Analyzing krill properties for food applications
The companies are investigating the physical, technical and organoleptic properties of the products and how to make them applicable in human food. Other aspects such as shelf life stability, dry or liquid and storage conditions are ongoing projects.

Antarctic krill is one of the largest biomasses in the world and is considered among the most environmentally friendly sources of marine omega 3 oil and protein. Krill protein hydrolysate contains antioxidants like astaxanthin, polyphenols and other possible bioactive components that might benefit human health.  

“Globally and especially in Europe, we are seeking alternative protein food products, but there are limited options. Plant-based products (often based on soya, rapeseed etc.) might not be suitable for everyone due to allergic reactions,” says Sterten.

Many alternative protein products might be problematic due to unbalanced nutrient content, off-flavors or unpleasant textures in the final product.The shelf life stability of the krill protein is also being evaluated.

“We consider krill protein hydrolysate derived from Atlantic krill with high protein content and high bioavailability to be a promising alternative food protein. The amino acid profile is well related to the ideal protein in humans,” he says.

Addressing inadequate protein stores
Many alternative protein products have an unbalanced nutritional profile, off flavors or textures. In addition, food producers often face supply and techno-economic issues when introducing novel protein sources.

Diversifying alternative protein sources is a constructive approach to allowing a protein shift. “We are still busy with documentation and research in this field. This takes time, and it’s hard to say when we will be on the market,” Sterten concludes.

Meanwhile, supplementing with Aker BioMarine’s Superba krill oil at 4 g per day may improve skeletal muscle function and size in healthy elderly populations.

Aker BioMarine enforced its patent related to the production and composition of krill oil in 2021 following a decision by the European Patent Office. The move puts the company on firmer footing across the EU, with investments in partnerships slated to continue.

By Inga de Jong