Algatech teams with Lycored to launch astaxanthin beadlets aimed at functional foods

By Hank Schultz

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Carotenoid

Algatech grows its algae in a closed tube system in southern Israel.  Algatech photo.
Algatech grows its algae in a closed tube system in southern Israel. Algatech photo.
Israeli firms AlgaTech and Lycored have teamed to launch a line of astaxanthin beadlets in the North American market aimed at functional foods, gummies and other applications.

The new beadlets pair AlgaTech’s AstaPure brand of astaxanthin with Lycored’s proven beadlet technology. Golan Raz, head of Lycored’s global health division, said the versatility of the new beadlets sets them apart.

Lycoreds advanced beadlets production technologies are used by multiple brands around the world to add value to finished products via a sophisticated delivery system. While there are A few alternative Astaxanthin beadlets, the variety of solutions (vegan, 2% concentration, 2.5% concentration, water soluble) is unique. The new astaxanthin portfolio will allow manufacturers and brands maximum flexibility in adding astaxanthin to the finished products,​ Raz told NutraIngredients-USA.

Astaxanthin has been under development as a dietary ingredient for decades, but first started growing strongly in the North American market after a mention on the Dr. Oz Show in 2011.  But unlike some other ingredients that first found fame on that platform, astaxanthin’s popularity has endured, driven in part by some promising science results​.

Lycored already has extensive experience with carotenoids with its lycopene portfolio.  So, even with all of the hoopla surrounding astaxanthin, it is good to keep in mind where the ingredient stands in the overall market.

While it is relatively smaller compare with other carotenoids like lycopene, beta carotene and lutein, astaxanthin has tremendous growth potential. With multiple clinical trials supportive of its health 

properties, astaxanthin supports a long list of structure functional claims,​Raz said.

Formulation flexibility

Raz said the new beadlets will allow flexibility in product formulation, allowing manufacturers to use the ingredient, which normally has an earthy, pond water-like odor, to a wide variety of products.

The range of beadlets can be used in confectionery and chewable gummies, health bars, chocolates and many other food applications,​Raz said.

Algatech, whose production plant is located in Israel’s southern Negev Desert, has been a leader in the production of natural astaxanthin from algae, which it cultivates in a closed tube system. The system allows for a highly controllable and reliable output, and the company has been acknowledged as producing some of the purest raw material in the business. This isn’t the first time Algatech has teamed with a formulation partner to boost the market reach of its ingredient.  At the Vitafoods trade show in Geneva in 2015 Algatech launched a water soluble form of astaxanthin using Virun’s patented Esolve technology​ that employs a diester form of Vitamin E as a carrier.

Related news

Related products

show more

Consumer Attitudes on Ultra-Processed Foods Revealed

Consumer Attitudes on Ultra-Processed Foods Revealed

Content provided by Ayana Bio | 12-Jan-2024 | White Paper

Ayana Bio conducted the Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) Pulse survey, offering insight into consumers’ willingness to consume UPFs, as well as the variables...

Future Food-Tech San Francisco, March 21-22, 2024

Future Food-Tech San Francisco, March 21-22, 2024

Content provided by Rethink Events Ltd | 11-Jan-2024 | Event Programme

Future Food-Tech is the go-to meeting place for the food-tech industry to collaborate towards a healthier food system for people and planet.

Palate Predictions: Top Flavor Trends for 2024

Palate Predictions: Top Flavor Trends for 2024

Content provided by T. Hasegawa USA | 08-Jan-2024 | Application Note

As consumers seek increased value and experience from food and beverages, the industry relies on research to predict category trends. Studying trends that...

Oat Groats – Heat-treated Oat Kernels

Oat Groats – Heat-treated Oat Kernels

Content provided by Lantmännen Biorefineries AB | 06-Dec-2023 | Product Brochure

Lantmännen offers now Oat Groats: Heat-treated oat kernels, also known as oat groats or kilned oats, undergo heat treatment to inhibit enzymes that could...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars