Kelp is a superfood that’s grown totally sustainable. But will people be willing to replace burgers with seaweed?

Akua is betting on it. Since 2016, the food startup has been using ocean-farmed kelp to produce meat alternatives: kelp jerky, kelp pasta, and — its main product — kelp burgers.

With fans like Richard Branson and a special mention on TIME’s “Best Inventions 2019” list, Akua is part of a broad movement to phase out animal meats, which are sometimes less healthy than plant-based alternatives, and almost always more environmentally destructive to produce.

Akua aims to make plant-based burgers that are healthy for both the environment and our bodies. Kelp contains Vitamins A, B6, E, and K, and also minerals like Zinc, Calcium, Potassium, and Iron. Studies suggest that the components within kelp can help with medical conditions, including iodine deficiency, diabetes, and obesity and liver problems. While not conclusive, there’s also some evidence suggesting a type of macromolecule contained in kelp can protect against cancer.

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