As the global trend to improve health and wellness intensifies, consumers are becoming more aware about the nutritional benefits of algae and seaweed. This has positioned them as valuable, natural ingredients for the nutritional supplements industry. For businesses aiming to meet this increased demand, understanding the applications and potential uses of algae and seaweed as nutritional supplements is an important first step for both product development and procurement departments.
This comprehensive B2B Buyers’ Guide covers four specific types of algae and seaweed ingredients and their roles in the supplement landscape. Designed for product development professionals and procurement teams, this guide not only provides insights into nutritional highlights, potential applications, and current market trends, but also offers sourcing tips for companies looking to procure transparent and trustworthy algae and seaweed for the nutritional supplements market. Our goal is for this buyers’ guide to help businesses confidently integrate algae and seaweed into their nutritional supplement offerings.
IMPORTANT: For clarity purposes, there are two general categories of algae - macro-algae and micro-algae. Macro-algae is commonly known as seaweed and predominantly grows in oceans and other marine environments. Micro-algae are typically unicellular organism and grows in both freshwater and the ocean. We use the words algae and seaweed interchangeably throughout the guide.
Best for Brain and Heart Health
Skip the fish and go directly to the source…
Omega-3 fatty acids are responsible for some of the most important parts and processes in our bodies, such as maintaining our heart, brain, and eye health, as well as promoting the health of our immune system and regulating inflammation responses. Fish, often touted for their omega-3 content, actually derive these essential fatty acids from their diet, with algae being their principal source. While fish oil has traditionally been the go-to source for omega-3, most fish oils are refined to remove contaminants and heavy metals making it more difficult for the body to absorb. As a result, there is an increasing interest among consumers to go directly to the source and consume a cleaner, more pure form of omega-3 directly from algae. The two main omega-3 fatty acids that come from fish and algae and their primary benefits are:
With their unique health advantages, algae-derived EPA and DHA are swiftly carving a niche in the nutritional supplement market. Algae used for omega-3 are grown in tanks, which means that no fishing practices are needed and the omega-3 have never come into contact with the pollutants and contaminants in the ocean. Algae-based omega-3s can serve as a cleaner, purer, and more potent form of omega-3 suitable for everyone. Algae-based omega-3s are most commonly extracted from a handful of different species of micro-algae. Below is a summary of the most common species and main nutritional features:
The potency and versatility of algae-derived omega-3 make it a sought-after ingredient in various health-focused supplements. Below are potential applications for using algae-based omega-3.
Algae-based omega-3s are an efficient, sustainable source of omega-3. It is a clean, pure product grown in unpolluted environments, thus not containing heavy metals and contaminants often found in fish. Given the animal-free sourcing and potent health benefits, algae-derived omega-3 is an attractive alternative to a variety of incumbent omega-3 supplements.
As health trends lean towards high quality, clean, and more planet-friendly products, many companies are looking to algae-based omega-3. Rich in direct sources of EPA and DHA, it can be used by a variety of businesses in the nutritional supplement industry.
Best for General Health Supplements
Spirulina has carved its place as a powerful superfood as it sought-after for its all-around nutritional profile. Consisting of 60-70% protein by dry weight and encompassing all essential amino acids, it offers a robust, complete protein source8. This micro-algae, while popular among health enthusiasts, has a broader potential in the nutritional supplements space. Spirulina provides businesses a prime ingredient to boost the nutrition of their supplement offerings.
As businesses navigate changing consumer preferences, spirulina emerges as a versatile ingredient for many different nutritional supplement applications. Its adaptability is evident in the array of formats it seamlessly integrates into, catering to both traditional and more unique product lines.
Spirulina is a commonly-used ingredient for nutritional supplements as it can enhance or completely redefine traditional supplement offerings.
A wide variety of businesses can leverage spirulina's complete nutritional profile to enhance a product’s nutritional value and develop additional trust among their customers.
Best for Immune Support and Digestive Health
Irish moss has surged in popularity due to its unique gelling qualities, dense nutritional composition, and recent endorsements from celebrities and influencers like Kim Kardashian10. Dating back to the late 1800s, sea moss was originally touted as, “food as the new medicine” as it is abundant in vitamins and minerals as well as rich in antioxidants. Fueled by social media and increased consumer demand for natural products, Irish sea moss is seeing a new wave of popularity—and additional health claims from well-known, influential celebrities and personalities. As sea moss has recently come back into the cultural zeitgeist, there is a lack of conclusive scientific evidence to support some of the newer health claims.
For clarity - sea moss is a generic term used to describe different species of red algae, most notably Irish moss—formally known as Chondrus crispus—most commonly harvested along the Atlantic coasts in the Americas and Europe. Brands often use the term, “sea moss” to refer to other types of red algae sourced from the Caribbean called Gracilaria. It is important for businesses to understand this point as these species contain different properties and nutritional profiles. We will use the term, “sea moss,” but we are referring to the species Chondrus crispus.
As businesses seek ingredients and products that resonate with consumer wellness trends, sea moss stands out as a, “new kid on the block” due to the recent popularity surge across social media. Irish sea moss can be used in a variety of formats - gels, raw, extracts, and powders - allowing businesses to use it for a wide range of applications and products.
Sea moss, with its wide-ranging nutritional spectrum, presents businesses an opportunity to reimagine and upgrade traditional supplement offerings.
Sea moss’ recent surge in popularity and multifaceted nutritional benefits can significantly uplift product offerings for a variety of businesses.
Best for Antioxidant Supplements
Astaxanthin is derived primarily from both salmon and micro-algae and stands out for its intense antioxidant properties16. Growing scientific interest in its health benefits has resulted in astaxanthin gaining recognition in the broader dietary supplements market. Recent media attention and testimonials have further elevated its status among health-conscious consumers.
Astaxanthin's unique antioxidant profile and performance-enhancing properties makes it a favorite among both general wellness and athletic-focused supplement applications. It can be delivered in several formats - gels, powders, extracts - and used as both an ingredient and end product.
With its robust antioxidant profile, astaxanthin stands as an alternative to several mainstream supplements. Consumers looking for more natural and effective sources of health support may turn to astaxanthin as a superior option.
Here are the types of businesses that can incorporate astaxanthin into their product offerings.
Each type of algae and seaweed carries its own unique benefits relative to other species. Below are the nutritional highlights each species is most well-known for.
DISCLAIMER: The nutritional content of algae and seaweed can vary widely based on growing conditions, harvesting time, processing methods, and geographic location. When purchasing, businesses should have the product tested and verified by a third-party.
Below are top trends in the nutritional supplements market businesses should pay attention to when thinking about incorporating algae and seaweed into their products and overall strategy. Many of these trends are being driven by consumer preferences, which have major implications for the B2B world of nutritional supplements.
The global shift towards more planet-friendly, clean diets is driving demand to find alternative sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Algal sources such as spirulina are rich in protein and have been recognized as a complete source, containing all the essential amino acids. Certain micro-algae are rich in omega-3s, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are usually associated with fish, but algae offers a plant-based alternative making them highly attractive for more conscious consumers. As fish receive EPA and DHA directly from algae, using algae-based omega-3s allows producers to bypass the fish and go directly to the source.
As consumers become more conscious about the origins of their products, there's a growing demand for supply chain transparency for the products they consume. They want to know what is in the products they buy, where they come from, and who is involved in making the products. Algae and seaweed play well into this trend as the supply chains are in the formation stage allowing for businesses to demand transparency when purchasing.
The nootropic market, which focuses on supplements that boost cognitive function, has witnessed steady growth. Many different species of algae have been associated with neuroprotective properties and may enhance brain function. Incorporating these algae into nootropic formulas adds another layer of appeal for consumers who are keen on enhancing mental clarity, focus, and overall cognitive health.
Consumers are increasingly looking for products and companies that are dedicated to improving human and planetary health. Algae and seaweed are perfect candidates for this trend due to the nutritional benefits and low environmental impact of production. While consumers are getting serious about this point, they are not willing to compromise on the overall quality of the product. Businesses will only see success using seaweed and algae in their supplements if they have proven results and stand out from the competition.
With the move towards personalized nutrition where dietary choices and supplements are tailored to an individual's unique needs, algae and seaweeds offer a plethora of options. Their diverse nutrient profiles mean that they can be combined to match a person's specific nutritional requirements, making them ideal candidates for the personalized nutrition trend.
With endless options on the market for nearly everything, consumers are looking to buy products from companies that match their personal values. This trend of, “values-based consumerism” means people are choosing to buy things that reflect what they believe in and care about. A deep desire across every consumer is supporting local economies. Algae and seaweed are a perfect fit for this trend as businesses that purchase these ingredients have a direct effect on farmers, their families, and local communities where it is grown. Telling this story will be an important point of differentiation for businesses going forward.
The "beauty from within" trend is part of the growing nutricosmetics market, which focuses on enhancing skin youthfulness through supplements and functional foods and beverages. Algae and seaweed supplements, rich in antioxidants like astaxanthin, are gaining attention in this market. Their rise in popularity has been further boosted with endorsements from health experts and celebrities alike, notably Kim Kardashian who has praised the benefits of Irish sea moss. With such momentum and endorsements, algae and seaweed supplements are solidifying their presence in the beauty and health sectors.
There are two general categories of algae - macro-algae and micro-algae. Macro-algae is commonly known as seaweed and predominantly grows in the ocean and marine environments. Micro-algae is a unicellular organism and grows in both freshwater and the ocean. Both seaweed and micro-algae can be grown wild, through outdoor cultivation, or by controlled indoor agricultural methods by using bioreactors.
There are over 72,000 different species of algae, but less than 20 are commonly used across different industries.
They come in a variety of formats. Fresh, frozen, dried, powdered, and flakes. There are also a variety of extracts in both liquid and powdered form that are available. Your target application and nutritional profile will be the driving force on what format and species to purchase.
They are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. Many claim they support immune function, main brain, eye, and heart health, enhance gut health, assist with detoxification, and help in weight management.
These supplements are available in various formats including capsules, tablets, powders, and tinctures. The consumption method often depends on personal preference, with some opting to mix powdered forms, while others prefer the convenience of capsules or tablets. Due to the increased interest from consumers in using algae and seaweed, there are more creative products coming to market in the form of gummies and daily nutrition bites.
Prices can vary based on the variety, processing method, and quality. Generally, while some algae supplements like astaxanthin can be on the higher end due to their potency and extraction costs, many algae and seaweed products can be competitively priced, especially when considering their rich nutrient profiles and growing market demand.
Dried forms generally have a longer shelf life, often up to two years if stored in cool, dark conditions. Fresh or rehydrated forms might have a shelf life of a week to a month, depending on the specific ingredient and storage conditions.
It depends. For seaweed that is grown in the ocean, there are specific growing and harvesting seasons that vary by type of seaweed and region of the world. Availability can vary with the seasons. However, many suppliers might have storage facilities that allow them to offer products year-round. There are many types of algae that are grown in indoor controlled settings and are harvested year-round.
Inquire about their harvesting or cultivation cycles, production capacities, backup sourcing strategies, and how they handle demand surges. You should also require heavy metal testing and a certificate of analysis to be completed by a 3rd party. This will give you an idea of their reliability during market fluctuations.
Most established suppliers will be able to provide small samples for testing purposes. It’s crucial to conduct preliminary tests with these samples to ensure the ingredient aligns with the product's development goals before placing large orders.
There is a lack of standards and guidelines when it comes to procuring and using algae as a supplement. As a result of this and the variability in quality that exists, we recommend either: 1) Work directly with a seaweed/algae farmer or processor with deep knowledge of their products; or 2) Work with a strategic sourcing specialist with experience in algae. They can help save you a tremendous amount of time, ensure product quality, and help you navigate the waters in this emerging industry.
Other notable algae and seaweed used for supplementation include chlorella, kelp, and bladderwrack. Extracts from certain algae are also gaining traction for their unique nutritional profiles, such as fucoxanthin from brown seaweeds. As always, sourcing from reputable suppliers ensures the best quality and purity for supplementation purposes.
There are no set industry standards or guidelines that have been established when sourcing algae and seaweed. As each species of algae and seaweed carry different properties and tastes, it is important for businesses to have a good idea of the end application and properties they are seeking. This will determine the best type of algae and format for any specific use case.
It is critical for businesses to take time to understand the supply chain when making a purchasing decision. Algae and seaweed have high variability when it comes to nutritional content and potential contaminants. It is important that when sourcing algae and seaweed that you can confirm nutritional content and that the supplier has the product tested for certain metals and contaminants by a verifiable 3rd party. It is also important to understand the cultivation method as it will help you determine what factors to take into account when purchasing. Algae and seaweed can be cultivated offshore or on-land, as well as through indoor controlled environments.
There are endless supplement options on the market today. A quick search on Google or Amazon will have you feeling overwhelmed. Many commercially-available supplement options contain low quality ingredients, unclear formulations, and no transparency around their supply chains. The supplement craze has turned more into a game of marketing vs being serious about improving human health and performance. If you dive deeper into the industry, the most successful supplements companies take the time upfront to research and source the highest quality ingredients and refine their formulations based on intended outcomes they are seeking. They also build trust with their customers on being more transparent around their ingredients, supply chain, and production process.
When issuing a purchase order or a longer-term supply contract, make sure to outline specific conditions and requirements around nutrition and product safety. This will ensure the supplier is meeting your quality standards before accepting the product.
Due to market fluctuations and seasonality of growing seasons for many types of algae and seaweeds, it is much better to set up longer-term supply contracts well ahead of time with suppliers. It will allow you to establish a consistent price and build a more robust supply chain. It will also allow the supplier to plan ahead and invest in their own growth so they can bring costs down.
If your business is just starting to purchase algae and seaweed, it is recommended to working with 3-4 suppliers to find the best fit. There are farmers and processors that have different goals on what customers they are set up to serve and growth they want to achieve. You want to find the options that are the best fit for your broader strategic goals. Lastly, by diversifying the supplier base upfront, it allows businesses to create resiliency in their supply chains.
When purchasing algae and seaweed, it is recommended that buyers use a 3rd party escrow service, especially when sourcing internationally. This is often something many folks overlook, but due to the variability of quality, using a third party escrow service allows the buyer to protect money and ensure the product meets their standards.
If you are looking for more information on sourcing or procuring algae and seaweed, feel free to contact Cultured Supply to talk with a procurement specialist to gain access to our network of dependable suppliers.
DISCLAIMER: Cultured Supply is focused on providing independent, unbiased market data around algae and seaweed that businesses can trust. Our goal is to help create more structure, standards, and transparency across the algae market so we can expand its use across many industries and applications, while maintaining a healthy balance with nature. Many of the health benefits associated with using algae have been scientifically-proven, while other nutritional and health claims may lack strong scientific data. While Cultured Supply has deep knowledge of algae and seaweed supply chains, we are not certified health professionals. We do our best to cite reputable sources throughout the buyers’ guide to back up any claims related to specific health-related benefits. These sources can be found below. We encourage all businesses to do their own independent research and analysis when it comes to making specific health and nutritional claims when using algae in their products.