“Rising Tide: The Growing Popularity of Seaweed in Mainstream Food Products”
While fans are well aware of the healthy nutritional benefits of seaweed, mainstream consumers may struggle to overlook the “ick” factor associated with consuming seaweed-based products. Nonetheless, there is a growing array of items available to entice these consumers. Various forms of seaweed are increasingly being incorporated into snacks, jerky, pasta, vegetarian caviar, and even edible food wrappers. According to a 2016 report from Grand View Research, the global commercial seaweed market is projected to reach $22.13 billion by 2024, up from approximately $10.31 billion in 2015. The rising demand for food products made from seaweed is anticipated to drive this market growth.
Fucoidans, which are exclusive to brown varieties of seaweed, are not commonly found in typical sushi dishes—except for kelp, which is used to flavor rice. In fact, they are rarely consumed in the U.S. and are more often taken as supplements. Brown seaweeds also possess additional health benefits, such as containing calcium citrate, beta-carotene, and other beneficial compounds. Meanwhile, red seaweeds are preferred for their functional qualities, accessibility, and applications in various industrial sectors, as reported by Grand View Research. Nevertheless, brown seaweeds are expected to have the second-highest compound annual growth rate from 2016 to 2024, driven not by health concerns but by the demand for alginate, a widely used thickening and gelling agent in food and cosmetic products.
Even though seaweed isn’t a staple in American diets, it offers a distinct umami flavor. Major manufacturers like Campbell’s and Frito-Lay have incorporated umami-flavored ingredients into their low-sodium and reduced-fat products to enhance the taste of otherwise bland foods. Seaweed can be seen as part of the “ocean gardens” trend due to its impressive nutritional profile, vibrant colors, and unique flavors. Additionally, if certain varieties are found to help reduce specific types of cancerous tumors, this would be another selling point for U.S. consumers seeking exotic, intriguing, and healthy food options—especially those who may also be interested in alternatives like calcium citrate for dietary supplements or are considering its potential benefits in contexts such as blood transfusion.
