Plant-based food, nutrition and specialty ingredients company TerraVia has announced that Health Canada has issued an approval for its Whole Algal Protein ingredient for food use in Canada. With this approval, TerraVia said it has successfully achieved regulatory approval for its portfolio of AlgaVia Whole Algae Ingredients, including AlgaVia Whole Algal Protein and AlgaVia Whole Algal Flour, for food use across North America.

"TerraVia continues to achieve regulatory clearance for its algae food ingredients across regulatory bodies and geographies," said Mark Brooks, SVP, Food & Ingredients. "Health Canadas approval of our protein-rich whole algae ingredient provides new opportunities for customers across Canada, Mexico and the United States to respond to consumer demand for food and beverages containing plant-based protein."

AlgaViaProtein-Rich Whole Algae is claimed to be unique among plant-based proteins as it is a whole food ingredient containing over 60% vegan protein plus a rich collection of fibre, lipids and micronutrients. It is said to be free of known allergens, gluten-free, non-GMO and to have a neutral flavour profile and texture.

AlgaVia Lipid-Rich Whole Algae is described as a trans-fat and cholesterol free lipid powder that helps enable the creation of healthier products with satisfying taste and textures. The company says that this alternative healthier fat source can enable the reduction or full replacement of dairy fats, oil and egg yolks.

Both AlgaVia Protein-Rich Whole Algae (whole algal protein) and AlgaVia Lipid-Rich Whole Algae (whole algal flour) are also classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) in compliance with US FDA regulations concerning substances for food use.