Seaweeds for food: from production to consumer

The present report addresses a central challenge for the European seaweed and food sectors: how to enable the broader use of seaweed biomass as safe, flavourful, functional and sustainable ingredients in manufactured food products.

This work synthesises state-of-the-art knowledge and industry experiences across the seaweed food value-chain, from post-harvest handling to consumer acceptance and sustainability assessment.

Overall, this work demonstrates that seaweeds can become viable, high-quality food ingredients for the food industry, if processing is tailored to product goals, safety risks are proactively managed, sensory quality is prioritised, and sustainability performance is credibly documented. The report provides a knowledge base to support innovation, guide industry investment, inform regula­tory development, and accelerate the responsible integration of sea­weed into Nordic and European food systems through safe, application-driven and evidence-based use.

Published:
2026
Author(s):
Pierrick Stévant; Dagbjørn Skipnes; Bjørn Tore Nystrand; Marthe Jordbrekk Blikra; Céline Rebours; Jennifer Mildenberger; Susan Løvstad Holdt; Trond Løvdal; Tone Mari Rode; Deepak Pandey; Rósa Jónsdóttir; Wenche Emblem Larssen; Caroline Østergaard Klein; Maren Sæther; Urd Grandorf Bak; Göran Nylund; Arne Duinker
Publisher:
Møreforskning
Nordic Council of Ministers
Oppdragsgiver:
Rapportnummer:
TemaNord 2026:510
Category:
Rapport

Related projects

NordKelp
The NordKelp project addresses innovation in the food industry and the emerging marine bioeconomy based on cultivated macroalgae. The project focuses on cultivated kelps (large brown macroalgae) as renewable and non-traditional food crops for the provision of safe, nutritious and flavourful ingredients to the food industry. The project will summarize and disseminate the state-of-the-art knowledge from recent and ongoing R&D activities related to the processing and quality of kelp biomass to food applications.
Time span:
2024 - 2025
Funded by:
NORA
Research area:
Aquaculture
Marine biotechnology
Emerging marine resources
Seafood quality
Do you have questions about our research or want to collaborate?

Do you want to collaborate with Møreforsking, or do you have questions about our publications or projects? Feel free to contact us, we are happy to help you find the solution that best meets your needs. Our researchers offer broad expertise and extensive experience across a wide range of marine disciplines.