BioMara and Macphie Celebrate Success of Better Food for All Initiative
BioMara, a leader in seaweed biotechnology, in collaboration with Macphie, a prominent UK ingredient supplier, and Abertay University, have achieved significant milestones in the ‘Better Food for All’ project funded by Innovate UK. This initiative marks a transformative leap toward integrating climate-friendly, health-enhancing ingredients into mainstream food products.
Introducing Seafibrex
The project centered on Seafibrex, an innovative food ingredient derived from sustainably farmed seaweed. Utilizing BioMara’s advanced extraction techniques, Seafibrex offers a unique blend of fibres, antioxidants, bioavailable minerals, and complex carbohydrates. The product aims to elevate the nutritional value of ordinary foods and contribute to enhanced public health outcomes.
Collaboration with Key Partners
In partnership with Macphie and Abertay University’s Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences, the project successfully demonstrated that Seafibrex can be seamlessly incorporated into a variety of foods, including breads, muffins, and plant-based meats, without compromising on taste, texture, or manufacturing efficiency.
Addressing the UK’s Fibre Deficiency
Despite public health campaigns, only 9% of UK adults meet the recommended daily fiber intake of 30g, with average consumption stagnating at around 19g for over a decade. This deficiency significantly contributes to the escalating rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other serious health conditions. Seafibrex serves as an effective and simple solution for boosting fiber intake through familiar food options.
Voices from the Industry
Paul McKnight from Macphie stated, “This initiative aims to improve the nation’s health while allowing people to enjoy their favorite foods. We’ve confirmed that incorporating seaweed-based ingredients like Seafibrex does not sacrifice taste or quality, aligning with rising consumer demand for innovative, locally-sourced functional ingredients.”
Key Achievements of the Project
- BioMara successfully developed a proprietary extraction method that yields a cost-effective, clean-label ingredient capable of enhancing both nutrition and flavor profiles in food products.
- Macphie integrated Seafibrex into its core bakery formulations, demonstrating it meets industry quality standards during production trials at an industrial scale.
- The consumer sensory evaluations conducted by Abertay University confirmed that products enhanced with Seafibrex were favorable among consumers for taste and texture even in complex categories like baked goods and plant-based meat alternatives.
Addressing Nutritional Challenges
“With the UK facing a nutrition crisis, where fast and convenient foods dictate diets, Seafibrex provides a groundbreaking approach to enhance food quality. It makes nutritious options accessible without requiring significant dietary changes,” said Jay Dignan, CEO of BioMara. “Its affordability, sustainability, and scientific backing make it a compelling choice for manufacturers.”
The Future of Seaweed in Food
As diet-related illnesses cost the NHS billions, practical solutions like Seafibrex are urgently needed. Not only does it enable food manufacturers to boost fiber and micronutrient content, but it also facilitates reduced salt, fat, and sugar recipes—catering to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory standards.
Unlike conventional crops, seaweed needs no land, freshwater, or fertilizers, while actively participating in ocean regeneration. The increasing interest in seaweed ingredients bolsters the UK’s emerging seaweed farming sector, fostering local economies and resilient coastal communities.
Next Steps
With product and process validation completed, BioMara is preparing for increased production and is eager to collaborate with forward-thinking food manufacturers and bakeries interested in pioneering functional, sustainable nutrition.
About BioMara and Macphie
BioMara is dedicated to transforming seaweed into innovative food solutions, leveraging proprietary extraction technology to ensure the retention of bioactive compounds. Sourcing materials from sustainable local harvesters allows for a traceable supply chain while benefiting coastal economies.
Macphie is an internationally recognized ingredient manufacturer, offering a diverse array of products across bakery, sauces, and ice cream categories while also providing options for plant-based and gluten-free diets. Their commitment lies in providing creative and practical ingredient solutions to leading brands worldwide.
