Should You Be Cooking with Algae Oil?
It’s packed with fatty acids, has a buttery flavor and a high smoke point.
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There’s a new variety of cooking oil getting lots of culinary attention and you might be surprised to learn it comes from microorganisms. Marine-sourced ingredients like seaweed continue to gain traction in the food world, and now algae is proving to be another ocean-born superfood. Spoiler: it’s packed with good fatty acids.
Health Benefits of Algae Oil
Algae oil supplements have been on the market for a while. A vegan alternative to omega-3 fats from fish oil, they offer lower, but still substantial, doses of EPA and DHA, fats that play a role in heart, eye and brain health.
A slightly different version of algae oil is used in cooking. Cultivated via fermentation, a sustainable and eco-friendly process, cooking algae oil has a lower omega-3 content than the supplement form but robust offerings of a different type of fatty acid, omega-9.
Like other plant-based oils, one tablespoon of algae cooking oil contains 120 calories and 14 grams of total fat, with the majority of fat (13 grams) coming from the heart healthy, monounsaturated type.
Research specifically on algae cooking oil is in its infancy – monounsaturated sources of fats have been studied extensively and are considered very beneficial for heart health and a fixture in the Mediterranean diet.
Omega-9 fatty acids can benefit heart and brain health as well as help fight inflammation . Unlike omega-3 fatty acids, omega-9s are more plentiful in the food supply, found in nuts, seeds and various plant-based oils.
What Does Algae Oil Taste Like?
It is a very light-colored oil with a neutral flavor, featuring a slight hint of buttery notes.
How to Cook with Algae Oil
Algae cooking oil has an extremely high smoke point of 535 degrees F, higher than other plant-based oils such as avocado, grapeseed and canola oil.
It’s a good choice for most recipes, including salad dressings, baked goods, stir-fries, searing and frying. It is also a blank canvas for flavor infusions like chili, garlic, citrus or herbs.
When it comes to stocking your pantry consider the cost and what type of cooking you typically do. Algae cooking oil costs about $1.20 to $1.30 per fluid ounce, compared to avocado oil which averages about $0.50 per fluid ounce. Olive oil ranges from $0.25 to nearly $3.00 per ounce depending on the product.
The Bottom Line
Consider adding algae oil to your roster as a versatile, efficient and clean tasting option that is also easy on the environment.
