The new ingredient contains 2.5% natural astaxanthin extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae by supercritical CO2, allowing the powder to completely and easily disperse in cold water in seconds.
There has been a surging demand for this naturally occurring algae-based carotenoid that has seen the haematococcus pluvialis market predicted to grow at a Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2% from 2020 to 2027 to reach €107.1m by 2027.
And the French firm is aware of a growing interest in functional food and drink formats, therefore created the new cold water-dispersible (CWD) powder which is also odourless with a neutral flavor, making it compatible with a variety of ready-to-mix supplements such as protein shakes, as well as hydration or energy drinks.
“Consumers today put greater emphasis on overall health and wellbeing, including both physical and mental wellbeing,” says Efrat Kat, VP Global sales of Solabia-Algatech Nutrition. “They’re seeking safe, natural, better-for-you alternatives in their diet, such as functional foods and beverages. But they also want new, easy delivery systems in addition to pills and tablets.”
“Changes in foodservice operations and services while many public venues are closed in the last few months have increased consumer interest in grab-and-go powder beverages with functional ingredients and specific claims,” adds Kat.
AstaPure natural astaxanthin boasts a high concentration of astaxanthin – more than 95% of total carotenoids - and is backed by more than 500 studies purporting to a diverse range of health benefits, including immune support, eye health, brain health, beauty from within, healthy ageing, and more.
Doron Safrai, CEO of Solabia- Algatech Nutrition added: “Astaxanthin, a natural powerful carotenoid, is highly soluble in oil, so incorporating astaxanthin into water-based liquid applications used to be more challenging.
“We engage a proprietary encapsulation production process that enables the astaxanthin to be easily disperses in water, as well as keeping the stability of the carotenoid. The new formulation can help nutritional product producers develop a complete line of products based on AstaPure, with multiple positionings and across several categories.”
Solabia-Algatech Nutrition’s proprietary technology enables the cultivation of microalgae in a completely enclosed, environmentally friendly system, fully controlled and exposed to the natural sunlight of the Arava desert which stimulates the microalgae to produce high levels of astaxanthin, aligning with demand for pure, sustainable, minimally processed ingredients.
