Algae Oil: The Cooking Oil of Tomorrow—Everything You Need to Know

A new cooking oil has arrived! Algae oil has recently gained attention, largely due to the introduction of Algae Cooking Club, a fresh algae-based cooking oil brand. This new offering provides home chefs with a sustainable and tasty option for everyday meals. Want to learn more about using this innovative oil in your kitchen? Keep reading.

What Is Algae Oil?

Algae oil is a plant-derived cooking oil made from microalgae. It’s rich in omega-9 fats that are not only great for cooking but also support brain health. With similar nutritional benefits to fish oil, it’s also perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle.

What Does Algae Oil Taste Like?

Compared to fish oil, algae oil has a much milder, more neutral flavor. Algae Cooking Club describes it as 'light, neutral, and just a hint buttery,' without any greasy taste or feel. This means it won’t overpower your dishes. Thanks to its neutral flavor and an impressive smoke point of 535°F, it’s versatile enough for use in marinades, frying, baking, and even in salad dressings.

How Is Algae Oil Made?

Algae oil is derived from microalgae, which are tiny, single-celled organisms. At Algae Cooking Club, instead of being harvested from the wild, these microalgae are fermented in large stainless steel tanks. The algae are fed sugar, which they convert into oil over time.

In just a few days, the microalgae transform into about 80% oil, which is then pressed to separate the oil from the algae, leaving behind the cooking oil ready for use.

This production method is more sustainable than many other cooking oils. According to Algae Cooking Club, 'Algae generates about half the carbon emissions of avocado, canola, and olive oil. It uses far less land and water than traditional crops, and is largely unaffected by the impacts of climate change.'