Need to Know

US – Described as having a ‘subtle, buttery essence’ but neutral flavour, Algae Cooking Club’s versatile new algae oil can be used for frying, baking and emulsifying or as an ingredient in dressings and sauces.

Working with a manufacturer in Brazil, the algae is fermented with sugar for three days before being ‘squeezed’ to produce an oil. This creates a product with a higher smoke point than olive or avocado oil, making it ideal for frying at high temperatures; it also has a high composition of healthy omega-9 fats (93%) while also containing 75% less saturated fats than olive or avocado oil.

Algae Cooking Club describes the oil as ‘earth’s purest cooking oil’ because it is produced without chemicals, solvents, pesticides or blending of oils. It requires less time, water and land for production, reducing its carbon emissions to almost half of those of canola or avocado oils. The 16oz bottle is available for sale online for £19.81 ($25, €23.20) and is expected to reach high-end grocery stores in the US later in February 2024.

Although algae may not be a familiar ingredient in most households, adopting unfamiliar yet eco-friendly food innovations is essential in combatting supply chain fragility amid the climate crisis, a topic we unpacked in our Adaptative Appetites report.

US – As nightlife preferences evolve, a notable shift is observed among young adults, with many prioritising sleep over traditional late-night outings. A cultural transformation is evident, driven by heightened awareness of the health benefits associated with adequate rest. This shift in mindset has led to an uptick in average sleep durations among individuals in their 20s to nine hours and 28 minutes in 2022. Analysis reveals that this is an 8% increase from the eight hours and 47 minutes reported in 2010 figures.

Correspondingly, businesses are adapting to this trend, with bars and clubs diversifying their offerings to accommodate daytime activities such as matinee dance parties. Early evening reservations are on the rise, with seatings between 4pm and 6pm making up 31% of Yelp reservations. Establishments are noting a decline in foot traffic between 6pm and midnight.

Cities including New York are witnessing the emergence of daytime social events, with venues such as Joyface pioneering early dance parties to cater for the evolving preferences of their clientele. This cultural shift underscores a broader societal recognition of the importance of prioritising sleep and dedication to getting a perfect night’s rest, a topic we explore further in Sleep Enhancement Market.