Everything You Need to Know About Algae Oil
You’ve probably heard that conventional cooking oils like canola oil, vegetable oil and peanut oil are out and should be upgraded for better choices like avocado oil, coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil, but have you heard of algae oil? You read that right folks, algae….oil.
Before you run out to your local grocery store and stock your kitchen cabinets and pantry, here’s everything you need to know about algae oil.
What is algae oil?
Algae oil is an everyday cooking oil made from algae. Although some algae oils are harvested from marine algae, some companies are finding alternative ways to make algae oil. For instance, ThriveⓇ Algae Oil makes their algae oil from the sap of chestnut trees. (Crazy, right?!)
Why should I be using algae oil?
Algae oil is a healthy oil with an excellent fatty acid profile. Algae oil has a higher level of monounsaturated fats than any other cooking oil.(Reminder: Monounsaturated fats are the good kinds of fats that are heat stable.) Just one tablespoon of algae oil gives you roughly 13 grams of monounsaturated fat, the same amount of fat you would find in one whole avocado. (I know, I was shocked too).
Algae oil also has the lowest levels of saturated fat with only 4 percent saturated fat compared to other cooking oils. For the record, canola oil contains 7 percent saturated fat, olive oil contains 14 percent and coconut oil contains 87 percent saturated fat.
Today, many of us only get half the daily recommendation of the daily monounsaturated fats we need and instead, many of us consume almost twice the amount of saturated fat that is recommended. Algae oil helps restore this balance.
How can I use algae oil?
Algae oil can be used just like any other cooking oil. With a high smoke point of 485 degrees, algae oil is an all-purpose oil that is ideal for baking, cooking, marinades, roasting, salad dressings, sautéing, searing and stir-frying.
What does algae oil taste like?
Algae oil has a light, neutral taste, which is why you can enjoy it raw on salads or in homemade marinades. Don’t worry, it’s not going to taste like the ocean, so you can abandon that notion entirely.
Where can I purchase algae oil?
Like most things in life, algae oil can be purchased online through Amazon, but to my surprise, algae oil is available your local grocery store. I was surprised, but stores like Target and Walmart carry brands like Thrive Algae Oil.
While researching this article, I was so impressed with the benefits of algae oil, I purchased some for myself to try and you know what, I liked it. I tried it raw and true to research, it’s light and neutral in taste. I still enjoy the taste of my avocado oil slightly better, but I will continue to use algae oil and mix it up in the kitchen every now and then because hey, what’s life without whimsy?
If you are looking to try a new cooking oil or just wanting to add yet another cooking oil to your arsenal of cooking tools, I recommend trying algae oil. Give it a go and let me know what you think!
