Stand back kale, researchers from Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center are making some pretty big claims; they have discovered the next superfood… and it tastes just like bacon.

This new strain of seaweed is called dulse, which is a type of red marine algae. Dulse grows naturally along the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines but OSU is creating and patented their own strand. The seaweed is already harvested for its incredible nutritional value, which is twice as much as kale.

There is no denying that the popularity of foods like kale and açaí berries have taken over the food market.  However, their tart or bitter tastes can be a bit too much for some people to choke down. I’m sure we’ve all thought it at one point or another… if only something as healthy as kale could taste as great as other junk foods.

Well, our prayers have been answered. In an article posted by Time,  the Chief Researcher of the new dulse project, Chris Lagdon, spoke about the too-good-to-be-true food, “There hasn’t been a lot of interest in using it in a fresh form. But this stuff is pretty amazing. When you fry it, which I have done, it tastes like bacon, not seaweed. And it’s a pretty strong bacon flavor.”

The college has  received a grant from Oregon Department of Agriculture to explore the possibilities of this unique crop and potentially harvest it for U.S. commercial use. Chefs are also exploring ways to incorporate it into meals.

Would you eat pizza with nutritious bacon flavored seaweed as a topping? It could be more likely than you’d think! I for one am very curious to give it a try!