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Water kefir is widely consumed all over the world due to its potential health benefits. The aim of this current study was to compare non-fermented juice and fermented beverage of water kefir produced from Aronia melanocarpa juice and pomace in terms of chemical, physical and sensory quality as well as valorisation of pomace in the production of water kefir. When compared to water kefir made with aronia juice, less reduction in total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total anthocyanin content (TAC) was observed in samples made with aronia pomace during the fermentation process. Similarly, greater antioxidant activity was demonstrated in water kefir made with aronia pomace than juice. Based on sensory evaluation, no difference was found in overall acceptability, taste, aroma/odor, and turbidity of water kefir made with aronia pomace before and after fermentation. Results indicated that aronia pomace has potential in water kefir production.

The seasonal nutritional value of red (Jania rubens, Laurencia papillosa, Spyridia filamentosa and Dasya rigidula) and brown macroalgae (Padina pavonia and Stypopodium schimperi) was evaluated as a dietary supplement for human and animal nutrition based on proximate and fatty acid profiles. The protein content varied from 0.80% (L. papillosa) to 3.41% (J. rubens) of wet weight with the highest values in winter. The highest lipid levels were recorded in S. schimperi (2.03% in spring, 2.16% in summer), the lowest in S. filamentosa (0.08% in spring). The ash content of J. rubens (46.11-51.63%) was significantly higher than that of the other species (2.28-16.57%). Analysis of the fatty acid composition showed that these seaweed species are very rich in n-3 fatty acids.