As the consumer health trend continues to build momentum, Solabia-Algatech Nutrition has launched new astaxanthin solutions for today’s dietary supplements and beverage concepts. The company’s micro-encapsulated, cold water-dispersible powder contains 2.5-per-cent natural astaxanthin – a powerful anti-oxidant derived from micro-algae. 

Extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae by supercritical CO2, the powder completely and easily disperses in cold water in seconds. The new formulation from Solabia-Algatech Nutrition is an ideal solution for a variety of ready-to-mix supplements, drinks, and suspensions, including sport drinks and better-for-you beverages.

A “powerful carotenoid”

“Astaxanthin, a natural powerful carotenoid, is highly soluble in oil, so incorporating astaxanthin into water-based liquid applications used to be more challenging,” explained Doron Safrai, CEO of Israel-based Solabia- Algatech Nutrition – a renowned powerhouse for microalgae cultivation and a leading manufacturer of unique active ingredients shown to support wellbeing. 

“We engage a proprietary encapsulation production process that enables the astaxanthin to be easily disperses in water, as well as keeping the stability of the carotenoid,” Safrai continued. “The new formulation can help nutritional product producers develop a complete line of products based on AstaPure, with multiple positionings and across several categories.” Moreover, AstaPure cold water-dispersible (CWD) powder is highly stable compared to other astaxanthin powders on the market. 

AstaPure natural astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants known, with more than 500 studies of its diverse health benefits, including immune support, eye health, beauty from within, healthy ageing, and more. AstaPure astaxanthin CWD powder is odourless and has a neutral flavour. It is suitable for multiple applications, such as premixes and other ready-to-mix formulations, isotonic waters, sports drinks, beverages, and smoothies.

Consumer focus on health and wellbeing

“Consumers today put greater emphasis on overall health and wellbeing, including both physical and mental wellbeing,” said Efrat Kat, VP Global Sales of Solabia-Algatech Nutrition. “They’re seeking safe, natural, better-for-you alternatives in their diet, such as functional foods and beverages. But they also want new, easy delivery systems in addition to pills and tablets.”

Innova Market Insights reveals that the top positioning in supplements with astaxanthin in 2020 were: skin health, eye health, heart health, mood, and immune support. Moreover, Innova reports a 13-per-cent average annual growth of product launches tracked with astaxanthin. “Changes in foodservice operations and services while many public venues are closed in the last few months have increased consumer interest in grab-and-go powder beverages with functional ingredients and specific claims,” added Kat.

AstaPure boasts a high concentration of astaxanthin – more than 95 per cent of total carotenoids. Solabia-Algatech Nutrition’s proprietary technology enables the cultivation of microalgae in a completely enclosed, environmentally friendly system, fully controlled and exposed to the natural sunlight of the Arava desert, which stimulates the microalgae to produce high levels of astaxanthin. AstaPure thus aligns with the market demand for pure, sustainable, minimally processed ingredients. 

In addition to the CWD powder, the AstaPure line includes astaxanthin in the forms of oleoresins and whole algae powder – both available also as USDA organic-certified beadlets and softgels supplied in bulk.