AlgaeCore Technologies’ brand SimpliiGood has unveiled a plant-based chicken schnitzel made from the microalgae spirulina.

The Israel-based food tech company said the latest innovation not only takes on the appearance, flavour and structure of real chicken breast but also possesses a “naturally dense nutritional profile that could outpace that of real chicken”.

Spirulina is a rich source of protein, vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. According to Baruch Dach, SimpliiGood’s founder and CTO, SimpliiGood’s spirulina microalgae provides the equivalent of 200g of real chicken in protein load.

Composed of 80% fresh spirulina with added prebiotic fibres, the product aims to offer consumers a nutritious clean-label chicken alternative that can also satisfy cravings for a “meaty, umami” plant-based experience.

SimpliiGood claims to be the first start-up to cultivate and formulate with 100% raw, fresh spirulina that is flash-frozen as opposed to the dried, powdered form. In this form, the company emphasised that the algae is delivered with the highest nutrient content and has no off-flavours or aromas.

Lior Shalev, CEO and co-founder of SimpliiGood commented: “Leveraging the unique properties of fresh spirulina on our proprietary texturizing platform addresses the problematic sensory challenges while enhancing its potency and functionality”.

“This broadens its applications beyond the exceptional nutritional profile and high concentration of protein to being a clean-label potential to replace thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers, binders, and texturizers in multiple applications. Plus, our naturally colour-free version is an excellent replacer for synthetic colourants.”

The debut follows SimpliiGood’s introduction of its vegan 95% spirulina-based smoked salmon replica last year, planned to be rolled out commercially in the coming year.

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