Duckweeds contain 20–35% protein, 4–7% fat, 4–10% starch per dry weight.

Proteins constitute 4.8% Lys, 2.7% Met + Cys, and 7.7% Phe + Tyr.

48–71% of fat are polyunsaturated fatty acids, the n6/n3 ratio is 0.5 or less.

Mineral content can be easily manipulated by the composition of the nutrient medium.

Wolffia microscopica and Wolffiella hyalina are desirable as human food.