Brevel’s entry into the chlorella market backed by illuminated-fermentation and full-system control, signals a major shift toward precision-grown microalgae. Purallis is positioned as “pure, stable and customisable,” offering brands unprecedented control over nutritional profiles, contamination risks, and supply reliability.

The latest Innova top food trends Insights data cements 2026 as the year when protein innovation must intersect with lifestyle relevance.

Recent work from the University of Canterbury and the New Zealand Institute of Bioeconomy Science demonstrates a viable methane-to-protein pathway using microalgae–methanotroph cocultures. Yes turning methane into protein.

Air India has a new global menu marking a meaningful operational shift: a full integration of vegan, allergen-conscious, and gut-friendly plant-based dishes across cabins. The airline isn’t dabbling, it’s standardising. With a new chef (Sandeep Kalra), refreshed aircraft, and a transformation programme underway, the menu reflects India’s domestic habits and global palate rather than Western plant-based marketing tropes.

If successful, the tech could deliver a self-contained food loop for deep-space missions and simultaneously push an Earth-facing agenda of decoupling protein from land/farming. Does this give a whole new meaning to pee protein?