Seatex - seaweed fiber for rtd beverage
Marine Biologics develops the clean-label functional ingredient, SeaTex™, a multifunctional seaweed fiber designed to replace complex additive systems (gums, buffers, emulsifiers) with a single ingredient.
High-protein RTD beverages are one of the fastest-growing categories but remain technically challenging. Achieving stable protein suspension, desirable mouthfeel, and long shelf life, especially under UHT processing, typically requires complex multi-ingredient systems. These increase label complexity, cost, and formulation risk while facing growing consumer and regulatory pressure for simplification.
How it Works SeaTex is produced using a light-touch process that removes flavor, color, and odor while retaining a functional matrix of natural carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals.
This matrix enables: Protein suspension and phase stability Creaminess and mouthfeel enhancement Water binding and viscosity control
SeaTex functions delivers robust performance across pH, temperature, and time conditions, including UHT & retort processing.
Proof to Date: SeaTex has been validated in pilot-scale RTD beverage applications, including dairy and plant-based protein systems:
Key results: Stable protein suspension under UHT/Retort Reduction or elimination of gums and buffer systems Improved creaminess and sensory profile Low inclusion rates (<0.5%) for competitive cost-in-use
Metrics for Success (KPI's): 10–30% reduction in cost-in-use vs. multi-additive systems Significant reduction in stabilizer system complexity Shelf-life stability - no separation
Validation Plan: Formulation Design: Replace stabilizer systems in target RTD beverage formulations Pilot Trials: Validate under industrial UHT conditions Stability Testing: Accelerated and real-time shelf-life evaluation
Next Steps:
- Identify target beverage systems
- Execute rapid formulation trials (2–4 weeks)
- Advance to pilot-scale validation (4–8 weeks)
- Develop commercialization pathway based on results
About Marine Biologics
Marine Biologics is a food-tech company that specializes in developing seaweed-derived, clean-label ingredients for the food and beverage industry. The company operates by integrating proprietary compositional datasets, formulation artificial intelligence, and green processing technologies to extract and analyze functional compounds from macroalgae. By leveraging these computational tools, the company addresses the challenge of natural chemical variability in seaweed, allowing for the creation of standardized, functional ingredients such as emulsifiers and texturizers. Marine Biologics differentiates its approach by utilizing a modular design framework and advanced biochemical engineering, supported by its Berkeley Innovation Lab and the acquisition of post-harvest technology expertise from Spoitz Enterprises.
These innovations are critical for food manufacturers looking to replace synthetic additives like gums and stabilizers with natural, traceable, and recognizable marine-sourced alternatives. The company's products, such as its flagship SeaTex ingredient and the seaweed-based SuperCrude material, are designed to provide drop-in stabilization, emulsification, and moisture retention across various applications, including dairy, plant-based milks, beverages, and baked goods. By partnering with regenerative seaweed farms, such as those in Alaska, Marine Biologics aims to secure a consistent supply chain while expanding its technological platform into new sectors, including cosmetics and biomaterials. Its data-driven approach is designed to help customers overcome formulation bottlenecks, improve product stability, and meet consumer demand for transparent, clean-label labels.
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