Algae: From Pond Scum to Potential Superfood of Tomorrow

Could algae be a key player in solving future food scarcity? Some growers are optimistic about its potential.

Though it’s often dismissed as pond scum, algae holds significant financial promise for investors and could be a major player in addressing global hunger. You may already be consuming it without realizing—algae is an ingredient in "green smoothies," specialty chips, protein bars, powders, and supplements like Omega-3 capsules. Spirulina, a specific type of algae, has been marketed for years as a nutrient-rich health food. It’s also used in animal feed.

However, it could become a far more crucial food source, according to people like Miguel Calatayud. He manages a farm in Columbus, New Mexico, where saltwater ponds stretch under the desert sky. Algae, he says, "is the foundation of the next generation of farming and food," as he recently shared with CNN. It can provide substantial protein while using relatively few resources. Calatayud, the CEO of Qualitas Health, which owns Green Stream Farms, cultivates an algae species called nannochloropsis in saltwater. This algae grows quickly with the help of sun, air, and water—most of which is recycled—and can be harvested throughout the year. The algae contains 40 percent protein and, according to the company, is neither slimy nor smelly.

But what about its taste? "You're not going to be eating an algae sandwich anytime soon," says Barry Cohen, executive director of the National Algae Association. Algae will likely be used as a new protein source in various food products. "A lot of companies are testing it," he adds.

Algae is expected to serve a similar purpose to the one that soybeans currently serve. Soy is often incorporated into meat products, cereals, breads, and is used as a meat substitute in vegetarian options.

"This industry is expanding," Cohen says. "It's still small—there are probably only 10 to 15 companies around the world."

Population Strains Food Resources

The growing urban population, especially in Asia and North Africa, will place increasing pressure on food resources, according to the United Nations, which predicts a rise of 2.3 billion people by 2050. Nearly 70 percent of the world’s freshwater is already used for agriculture. Additionally, raising livestock for protein is an inefficient use of resources. "We can cultivate algae in water, recycling 75 to 80 percent of it, and do so in a much smaller space... and produce a high-value product," says Cohen.

In addition to addressing the challenge of feeding a growing population, algae is also seen as a solution to combat current malnutrition. The Swiss Antenna Foundation grows spirulina in Tamil Nadu, India. This plant is used as a supplement to help children fight malnutrition, while the foundation trains locals in production to promote sustainable local practices.

A company in Tamil Nadu, led by Aakas Sadasivam (India) and Mika Rautio, a Finnish partner, is also cultivating algae. The company, Prolgae Spirulina, produces sun-dried spirulina, which is turned into a crunchy snack called Spirulina Nibs and sold as protein powder.

However, algae production doesn't always lead to success. A California-based company, TerraVia, transitioned from using algae to produce biofuel to creating flour, protein additives, and cooking oil. It also manufactured fatty acids for cosmetics and fish feed. Unfortunately, the company declared bankruptcy last year.

Other Potential Uses

Long before algae was marketed as food, it was explored as a possible biofuel source. Over the past 70 years, $2.5 billion has been invested in efforts to create biofuel from algae, according to Cohen. "Algae secretes oil," Cohen explains. When oil prices were high, oil companies began researching algae as an alternative fuel. Now that oil prices have dropped, these companies might be seeking new uses for algae. "If [oil companies] could build and operate large biofuel farms, it could be a potential solution for electric cars since the infrastructure is already in place." Algae biofuel, of course, is carbon neutral.

Algae also absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen in large quantities. However, in some ways, algae can be problematic. Harmful algal blooms release toxins into seawater, which can kill fish and other marine creatures. Still, finding productive uses for algae — and including it in our diets — might allow it to redeem its reputation.