| abstract |
The compositions and methods of the invention relate to the creation of food products based on eggs, wherein the productions contain various raw materials made from microalgae in different forms. Some forms include high levels of monounsaturated oil, dietary fiber, carotenoids, and digestible crude protein. Provided herein are methods and compositions for enhancing food stability at elevated temperature during extended periods of storage in hydrated egg products. The microalgae-derived materials are provided as dry or hydrated homogenates made from heterotrophically produced microalgae of varying genera, species and strain. Weight/weight levels of saturated fats and cholesterol are reduced in egg products of the invention, while dietary fiber is increased. Blends of liquid or dried egg with liquid or dried algae are provided, as well as methods of manufacturing and formulating the blends. Unique combinations of egg whites and microalgae are also provided for manufacture of very low cholesterol egg products. In some embodiments, the textural characteristics of powdered eggs are altered to be more like the textural characteristics of liquid eggs through the inclusion of dietary fiber and other moisture-retaining properties of microalgal biomass. |