Kombu, Nori and Wakame seaweeds are becoming more acceptable in European diets, but there are also salt-loving, brightly coloured microalgae, found in salt lakes and coastal waters around the globe, which offer potential as a renewable and sustainable source of food and health products that could protect us against sun-damage and treat diseases. They may also serve as novel biofuel for the future, saving fresh water and cutting CO2 emissions.