Interest in vegan fish has grown as shoppers have become more concerned about overfishing, with documentary Seaspiracy also cited as a factor
ADVERTISEMENT
Vegan fish alternatives are ‘set to take the UK market by storm’ according to the Guardian.
The outlet, which recently published a report on plant-based seafood alternatives, said analysts have described the sector as ‘hot’.
It cited growing consumer awareness around overfishing, partly as a result of the Netflix documentary Seaspiracy, as a major factor in the industry’s growth.
Among the new options coming to the market are plant-based alternatives to salmon, prawns, and crab cakes among others.
Nestlé vegan fish
According to the Guardian, the ‘fact that the food industry is getting serious about the area was highlighted by this month’s launch of Vrimp by Nestlé’.
Its Garden Gourmet Vrimp is made from a combination of seaweed, peas and konjac root, and is said to have ‘the authentic texture and flavor of succulent shrimps’.
Speaking in a statement about the product when it launched, Stefan Palzer, Nestlé Chief Technology Officer, said: “Our new plant-based shrimp alternative has an authentic texture and flavour, as well as a favorable nutritional profile which makes it a good replacement for animal-based shrimp in a wide range of dishes.
“Our longstanding expertise in plant, protein and nutritional sciences enabled our teams to develop these great innovations in under a year.
“As we speak our R&D teams are already preparing the next wave of plant-based launches.”
‘Just as good’
The Guardian also quotes Derek Sarno, the co-founder of vegan range Wicked Kitchen, and Tesco’s head of plant-based innovation.
Wicked Kitchen recently acquired Good Catch, an alt-seafood brand founded by Derek alongside his brother Chad.
According to Derek, alternative seafood can taste ‘just as good as the real thing’, and the seafood range strives to ‘offer the taste, texture, and eating experience of seafood without harming the environment’.
These products include ready-to-eat pouches of Plant-Based Tuna and frozen Plant-Based Salmon Burgers, as well as Fish Burgers among others.
Derek says that as many seafood items are coated and blended, they were ‘easily made plant-based with no compromise’, offering shoppers ‘easy swaps’ for traditional seafood.
Tempted to try faux seafood but not sure where to start? Have a look at our guide to 14 vegan fish recipes that taste like the real thing
Featured image: Anya Why via Getty Images
