Yemoja’s red microalgae simulate “bleeding” in plant-based meats

Israeli marine ingredient start-up Yemoja unveils its new red microalgae “Ounje” to infuse bloody juiciness to plant-based burgers and steaks for an authentic medium-rare experience.

The formulation, which contains no artificial color additives, mimics the red juices of meat while boasting the claim that no animals were harmed in its making. Most products in this space are currently using beetroot juice and color additives.

The company is currently piloting its microalgae ingredient, Ounje, meaning “food” in Yoruba, with one plant-based start-up and another cultured meat producer. The results so far are promising, Yemoja reports.

The deep red algae are grown indoors in high precision photobioreactors and can act as a natural plant-sourced heme substitute to serve the cultured meats and alternative meat sectors. Heme is a precursor to hemoglobin which binds oxygen in the bloodstream. It is biosynthesized in the bone marrow and the liver.

Food Ingredients First