But by the time I reached out to the researchers growing it, they'd already been inundated with requests and didn't have samples to go around. As it turned out, this seaweed-bacon was already the trendiest health food around, and it hadn't even reached stores yet.
But last week I took a trip to the original source of the stuff - a fishing village in Ireland - and got a chance to taste it. Here's how it went.
More from Erin Brodwin:
- We tried the seaweed that 'tastes like bacon' and is healthier than kale - here's the verdict
- Scientists are about to find out how Silicon Valley's LSD habit really affects productivity
- 15 of the healthiest fast-food menu items
- Ancient, giant viruses are being unearthed in Arctic ice that's at risk of melting
- The single best type of exercise for your brain, according to scientists