There is a growing number of companies who are convinced that one of the ways in which we will feed the world in the future will be from sea vegetables.
In the Netherlands, The Dutch Weed Burger company has created burgers from three different types of seaweed, while in Ireland Plantruption has developed the Irish Sea Weed Burger. There are also many brands experimenting with making all kinds of snacks from Dulse, which its champion says has an addictive bacon-like taste.
Now you can add to that list US alt-meat brand AKUA which has just unveiled what it claims is the first-ever burger made from kelp. In addition to the ocean-farmed seaweed, it also contains crimini mushrooms, pea protein, black beans, quinoa, and crushed tomatoes. The burger has a range of nutrients including vitamins A, B6, and K, as well as zinc, calcium, folate, potassium, and iron.
AKUA claims that the burger is even healthier and has a lower carbon footprint than both meat burgers and existing plant-based. This is because of the way it is farmed as it requires no fresh water, fertiliser, feed, or land.
For the time being the burger is on sale at several restaurants in the US, including Honeybee Burger in Los Angeles, HULA’s in Monterey, and Central Provisions in Portland, ME, as well offered direct to consumers via a 12-pack that costs $48.99.There is no news yet on a European launch.
“The Kelp Burger is going to have a special place in the market for those looking to make a difference in the way they eat both for themselves, the Earth, and their local ocean farming economies right here in the U.S.,” said AKUA Co-Founder and CEO Courtney Boyd Myers. “We’re offering something better than a fake meat burger or a boring veggie burger, and we can’t wait for consumers to taste the difference.”
