Revo Foods, a Vienna-based plant-based food company, has launched a ‘world first’ vegan octopus analogue called THE KRAKEN.
The makers of the world’s first 3D-printed vegan salmon, Revo Foods, has released its latest culinary innovation – realistic vegan octopus tentacles.
Made from mycoprotein, the tentacles can be grilled, fried, or baked to create octopus-based dishes such as Pulpo a la Gallega, Takoyaki, or octopus salads.
Not only do the tentacles look the part with their realistic appearance including suckers, they’re also high in omega-3 and fibre too and boast a Nutriscore A nutritional profile grading.
According to reports, the product is made from fungi protein due to its ability to imitate both the feel and look of octopus.
The product is currently available as a limited edition item sold exclusively on the Revo Foods online store, as well as through the company’s restaurant partners.
If the product proves a hit with customers, the company may release the product as a permanent addition to its range in the future.
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The product is currently available as a limited edition item sold exclusively on the Revo Foods ecommerce site, as well as through the company’s restaurant partners. Photo © Revo Foods
THE KRAKEN
Speaking about the ground-breaking product, Revo Foods CEO Robin Simsa told SeafoodSource: “By releasing THE KRAKEN, Revo Foods shows again how fast the development of new technologies is taking place in the plant-based space right now.
“The whole industry is a powerhouse of innovation at the moment, and I am confident that in about five years, many plant-based products will be almost indistinguishable from animal-based products in terms of taste.
Meanwhile, according to Protein Production Technology, the brand has described THE KRAKEN as ‘very special’ and having an ‘exciting look’.
Niccolo Galizzi, Head of FoodTech of Revo Foods, said: “Octopus tentacles, with their intense colour and distinct suckers, are a very special product with an exciting look.
“So far, there has been no realistic alternative on the market. THE KRAKEN has the potential to be a real enrichment for octopus fans!”
To make the realistic vegan octopus tentacles, Revo Foods uses a proprietary 3D-MassFormer extrusion technology which allows for the “seamless integration of fats into a fibrous protein matrix”.
The company has pioneered a continuous manufacturing process, claiming it to be the first of its kind capable of mass-producing 3D-printed food. Their aim is to showcase the potential of this technology through the creation of whole-cut seafood products.
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Dr Robin Simsa added: “With a little bit of creativity and technological know-how – and an obsession for seafood –anything is possible. If we continue like this, we can soon offer an entire plant-based seafood paella!“
He added that in addition to offering an authentic flavour, taste and texture to real octopus, it has an appealing nutritional profile: high protein and fibre content, and a high omega-3 fatty acid content.
Where to buy THE KRAKEN
According to Revo Foods CEO Robin Simsa: “Octopus is a very specific product, and in Europe, it is mainly consumed in Spain, Italy and Greece, and much less in northern European countries. We believe this is less a product for retail, and more for food service/specialty vegan shops. However, with this limited edition (several 100 packages), we want to get more information on consumer feedback and also share samples with some restaurant partners as well.
“If the feedback is positive and we see this market opportunity as big enough, then it is possible that we launch this product permanently later this year. Nevertheless, we believe it is already an amazing showcase to show what is possible with new plant-based technologies nowadays.”
‘THE KRAKEN’ is available now exclusively in the Revo online shop, delivering to most European countries: Austria, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Sweden.
Made from mycoprotein, the tentacles can be grilled, fried, or baked to create octopus-based dishes such as Pulpo a la Gallega, Takoyaki, or octopus salads. Photo © Revo Foods
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Octopus farming ban
The product launches amid controversy over octopus farming. Earlier this month, a bill described as ‘ground-breaking’ passed the Washington State Senate.
The vote saw 29 in favour of the legislation with 20 in opposition.
The Aquatic Life Institute noted in a press release that as ‘highly intelligent and complex animals’, octopi ‘that suffer greatly in captivity due to their solitary and inquisitive nature’.
They added: “Furthermore, there are no approved humane slaughter methods for these animals, and their carnivorous diet makes farming them unsustainable and damaging to the environment.
“Nitrogen and phosphorus waste would be a product of the octopus farms, as would contamination from fertilisers, algaecides, herbicides, and disinfectants.
“It is also possible that diseases would spread from the farms to the wild environment, and aquatic animals living in those environments.”
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Featured photo © Revo Foods
