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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Yes. Wolffia is an edible aquatic plant with a documented history of use as food in parts of Southeast Asia. But the safety evidence is specific to the species and product: EFSA raised no safety objection to a described fresh-food notification, while it could not establish the safety of proposed uses for Wolffia globosa powder because of manganese exposure concerns.
What is Wolffia, and how is it eaten?
Wolffia is a genus of tiny aquatic plants in the duckweed family, also called water lentils. The evidence discussed here focuses on W. arrhiza and W. globosa. They are eaten as whole fresh plants, and W. globosa is also processed into a dried powder used in proposed ingredient and supplement applications.
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These forms are not interchangeable for safety purposes. EFSA assessed fresh plants as a traditional food and separately assessed W. globosa powder as a novel food. Findings about one should not be treated as clearance of the other.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFresh plants as a traditional food
EFSA’s 2021 technical report describes fresh W. arrhiza and W. globosa as a vegetable and reports more than 25 years of consumption in Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. Its assessment concerned a specific notified food produced under described vertical-farming conditions, not every Wolffia plant or growing method.
#1 Best Overall
- LAB-VERIFIED NUTRIENT-RICH SUPERFOOD: SarnThai dried Wolffia globosa is lab tested and provides 40% plant-based protein, iron, calcium, vitamins A, E and B12, along with all 9 essential amino acids—an easy way to add valuable nutrients to a balanced daily diet.
- COMPLETE PLANT-BASED PROTEIN: A nutritious protein source suitable for vegans, vegetarians and health-conscious lifestyles. Wolffia contains all 9 essential amino acids, making it a convenient addition to a varied and balanced diet.
- CAREFULLY CULTIVATED & 100% NATURAL: SarnThai Wolffia is cultivated in a controlled system and made without synthetic additives, artificial colors or preservatives. Each package contains pure, dried Wolffia globosa.
- GENTLY DRIED TO PRESERVE QUALITY: Our Wolffia is carefully dried to help retain its natural color, mild flavor and nutritional value while providing convenient storage and a longer shelf life.
- TASTELESS, ODORLESS & EASY TO ENJOY: SarnThai dried Wolffia has no noticeable taste or odor, making it easy to mix into foods and beverages, including salads, yogurt and smoothies, without changing their original flavor. A simple and convenient way to add nutrition to every meal.
Powder as an ingredient
The powder assessed by EFSA was made by cultivating W. globosa, washing it, and drying it. The U.S. FDA’s GRAS notice record lists proposed ingredient uses across categories such as baked goods, beverages, cereals, sauces, dairy analogs, pasta, snacks, and soups, at levels up to 5%. However, the FDA record says evaluation of that notice ceased at the notifier’s request. A notice record is not FDA approval of Wolffia or endorsement of a product on sale.
Is Wolffia safe to eat?
The answer depends on the species, form, and production conditions. EFSA’s 2021 report on the notified fresh plants found that the available composition, history-of-use, and cultivation information did not raise safety concerns. It concluded: “Considering these data, EFSA does not raise safety objections to the placing on the market of the TF (fresh plants of Wolffia arrhiza and Wolffia globosa) within the EU.” This conclusion applies to that described traditional food; it is not a blanket finding for all Wolffia foods.
Rank #2
- Water Lentil Powder: This product stands out as a complete protein source, making it an ideal choice for vegans. It's packed with all the essential amino acids needed for a balanced diet.
- Rich in Vitamin B12: Our Water Lentil Powder boasts the highest bioavailable source of Vitamin B12 for humans. This is crucial for maintaining good health, particularly for those following a plant-based diet.
- Superior Energy Booster: Surpassing the benefits of spirulina and moringa, this powder is an excellent energizer. It's especially high in essential amino acids, including Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs), which are vital for energy production and muscle growth.
- Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: We're committed to sustainability. Our Water Lentil Powder supports environmentally-friendly farming practices. Additionally, it's thoughtfully packaged in a BPA free jar
- I Am Joy Risk-Free Promise: Your satisfaction is our priority. If you're not completely satisfied with our product, please reach out to us first. We offer a hassle-free refund policy, ensuring that you can try our product with confidence and peace of mind.
EFSA reached a different conclusion for W. globosa powder. In its separate 2021 opinion, the panel could not establish safety for the proposed novel-food uses because the proposed consumption levels could increase manganese intake. It also noted that trace-element and contaminant concentrations depend on cultivation conditions and fertilizer composition, and that allergic reactions are possible given the powder’s protein content. The panel said the proposed uses did not raise concerns for heavy metals and microcystins, but that did not resolve the manganese concern.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For a packaged product, check what species and format it contains, its source and cultivation information, and the product’s own ingredient and nutrition labeling. A conclusion about one notified fresh food does not establish the safety of a different powder, supplier, serving level, or preparation.
Rank #3
- QUANTITY: Includes 1000+ leaves live duckweed plants, providing an abundant supply for aquariums and ponds.
- FLOATING PLANT: Duckweed naturally floats on the water surface, offering shade and shelter for fish and aquatic life.
- WATER QUALITY: Helps absorb excess nutrients like nitrates and phosphates, promoting a cleaner, clearer water environment.
- VERSATILE USE: Suitable for both indoor aquariums and outdoor ponds, adapting well to a variety of aquatic setups.
- FAST GROWING: Duckweed is a rapid-spreading plant that quickly establishes coverage, making it ideal for large water features.
What nutrition does Wolffia provide?
A 2018 study of all 11 Wolffia species reported the following ranges on a freeze-dried-weight basis:
| Component | Reported amount | Basis and source |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 20–30% | Freeze-dry weight; Appenroth et al. (2018) |
| Starch | 10–20% | Freeze-dry weight; Appenroth et al. (2018) |
| Fat | 1–5% | Freeze-dry weight; Appenroth et al. (2018) |
| Fiber | About 25% | Freeze-dry weight; Appenroth et al. (2018) |
These are species-survey results, not values for fresh Wolffia or a particular commercial serving. The study reports variation by species, genetic background, and cultivation conditions. For a specific food, use its product label and note whether the stated serving refers to fresh plants or dried powder.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 1000+ Live Duckweed Plants Lemna Minor Floating Aquarium & Pond Plant for Natural Water gardens Fish Shrimp Betta Tanks Natural Fry Cover Fast Growing Floating Plant by Awesome Aquatic Small floating plants typically under ¼ inch in size. Duckweed is a fast-growing floating plant that naturally multiplies quickly under proper aquarium or pond conditions.
- REDUCE EXCESS NUTRIENTS Fast-growing floating plants naturally absorb excess nutrients from the water column including nitrates and phosphates, helping support balanced pond & aquarium conditions and limiting unwanted algae growth.
- FAST-GROWING FLOATING PLANT — Duckweed naturally absorbs nutrients from the water column including nitrates and phosphates. Commonly used in aquariums and ponds to support balanced planted environments and natural surface coverage.
- NATURAL FLOATING AQUARIUM PLANT Live Lemna minor duckweed provides beautiful natural floating coverage for freshwater ponds, water gardens, tubs, aquariums, shrimp tanks and breeding setups. Creates a realistic pond-style environment while softening harsh aquarium lighting, by providing shade.
- GREAT FOR SHRIMP, FRY & BETTAS Duckweed creates natural shelter and grazing areas for baby fish, shrimp, snails, and timid species. Floating cover helps reduce stress while encouraging natural grazing surfaces in planted outdoor environments or aquariums.
Rank #4
- 80+ PLANTS - You will receive plants with a combined total of 80 leaves or more (see 2nd pic for approximate size).
- PROMOTES A HEALTHY, BALANCED AQUARIUM - Removes toxic chemicals like ammonia, nitrates and heavy metals from your aquarium.
- LIVE-ARRIVAL GUARANTEE - Backed by our live-arrival guarantee.
- DO NOT ORDER IF - it is over 100° F or under 35° F in your area (these are live plants).
What should you check before buying or eating it?
- Species and format: Identify whether the product is fresh whole Wolffia or dried powder; their regulatory assessments differ.
- Growing and quality information: Cultivation and fertilizer composition can affect trace-element and contaminant concentrations.
- Product-specific nutrition: Do not apply freeze-dried study percentages directly to fresh plants or to a serving of another product.
- Regulatory wording: EFSA’s no-objection finding applies to the described fresh traditional food. Its powder opinion could not establish safety for the proposed uses, and the cited FDA notice was not an approval.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
