Provided herein are compositions and processes for producing compositions from an algae that overproduces protoporphyrin IX (PPIX). Also provided are methods of growing PPIX overproducing algae, methods of isolating PPIX-containing portions from algae cultures and compositions and methods of making food products with PPIX produced by algae. Provided herein are strains and methods to select strains that overproduce PPIX. Also provided are compositions, including edible compositions that include PPIX produced from algae. Specifically, the algal strain over-producing PPIX is an engineered strain of The algal biomass may be used for preparing meat analogues wherein the PPIX compound imparts a meat-like colour and flavour.

Provided herein are compositions and processes for producing compositions from an algae to provide heme and a red or red-like color to edible compositions including ingredients and finished food products. Also provided are methods of growing heme-producing algae, methods of producing algae preparations therefrom and methods of making ingredients and food products with algae preparations. Also provided are compositions, including edible compositions that include heme and other nutrient components produced from algae.

There are described plants of Papaver somniferum having reduced expression or activity of magnesium chelatase where-by the plants yield poppy straw having an altered alkaloid profile. In embodiments of the plants the reduced expression or activity of magnesium chelatase is associated with a trait for a lightened leaf colour. There are also described methods for producing the plants, and poppy straw, latex, concentrate of poppy straw and opium from the plants.

Disclosed are modified strains of Chlorella vulgaris having a very low chlorophyll content. Also disclosed is a method for producing them. The method involves performing mutagenesis of a parental strain of Chlorella vulgaris. Furthermore, disclosed is a composition comprising algae biomass derived from the modified strains of Chlorella vulgaris and their use in food and/or cosmetics amongst other applications.