Microalgae can be regarded as an alternative and promising food ingredient due to their nutritional composition, richness in bioactive compounds, and because they are considered a sustainable protein source for the future. The aim of this work was to evaluate microalgae (Arthrospira platensis F & M-C256, Chlorella vulgaris Allma, Tetraselmis suecica F & M-M33 and Phaeodactylum tricornutum F & M-M40) as innovative ingredients to enhance functional properties of cookies. Two biomass levels were tested and compared to control: 2% (w/w) and 6% (w/ w), to provide high levels of algae-bioactives. The cookies sensory and physical properties were evaluated during eight weeks showing high color and texture stability. Cookies prepared with A. platensis and C. vulgaris presented significantly (p < 0.05) higher protein content compared to the control, and by sensory analysis A. platensis cookies were preferred. Besides, A. platensis also provided a structuring effect in terms of cookies texture. All microalgae-based cookies showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) total phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant capacity compared to the control. No significant difference (p < 0.05) in in vitro digestibility between microalgae cookies and the control was found.

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Crackers are widely consumed snack foods and there is an increasing trend in adding functional ingredients to their composition. In the present work, the dried biomasses of four microalgae strains—Arthrospira platensis F&M-C256, Chlorella vulgaris Allma, Tetraselmis suecica F&M-M33, and Phaeodactylum tricornutum F&M-M40—were used as a source of proteins, antioxidants, and other bioactive molecules in artisanal wheat crackers. Two incorporation levels were tested: 2% (w/w) and 6% (w/w). The impact of microalgae addition was evaluated in terms of physical properties, biochemical composition, antioxidant activity, in vitro digestibility, and sensory characteristics. Microalgae crackers presented stable color and texture throughout eight weeks of storage. Microalgae crackers were slightly thinner and lighter than the control but presented a similar density in agreement with scanning electron microscope images, indicating that gas retention was not greatly affected by microalgae addition. Regarding biochemical composition, 6% A. platensis and C. vulgaris crackers presented a significantly higher protein content (13.2–13.5%), for which they could be claimed to be a “source of protein” according to the Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006. A. platensis crackers showed the highest antioxidant activity and attained better sensory analysis scores. T. suecica and P. tricornutum crackers showed high phenolic content and antioxidant activity but attained low sensory scores mainly because of their unattractive fishy off-flavor.

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Gluten-free foods are generally nutritionally deficient and are the source of serious technological constraints. This work aimed to evaluate the technological performance of addition of two spirulina biomasses: Arthrospira platensis F&M-C256 and Ox Nature (resulting from different drying procedures) to gluten-free pastas, in terms of mechanical properties, antioxidant capacity, in vitro digestibility and sensory analysis. Texture properties of GF pasta was not significantly (p < 0.05) altered by the incorporation of A. platensis biomass. The different drying methods applied to A. platensis biomasses had an impact on the bioactive compounds and the in vitro digestibility of the gluten-free pastas. Both A. platensis biomasses provided a significant (p < 0.05) supplementation of phenolic compounds, chlorophylls and carotenoids to the gluten-free pastas, that resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) higher antioxidant activity when compared to control (without A. platensis) and wheat pasta. Between the new gluten-free developed pastas, consumers preferred the one supplemented with 2% A. platensis F&M-C256 biomass. Knowing the contribution of A. platensis biomass addition on pasta properties is fundamental to extend the utilization of this cyanobacterium for novel foods development. These results indicate that A. platensis biomass is a suitable ingredient to enhance the nutritional quality of pasta, without affecting its cooking and texture quality properties, with a favourable sensory evaluation.