News
Nestlé launches plant-based tuna alternative, Vuna
7 Sep 2020Nestlé is taking a dive into the plant-based seafood market with its new faux tuna brand Vuna. The plant-based tuna debuted in Switzerland in August under the company’s Garden Gourmet line where it is available for retail as well as sold in pre-made sandwiches in the deli at select stores.
Future plans to expand the availability of the product in other parts of the world will be announced at a later date.
Nestlé is actively looking to hook consumers that are trending toward plant-alternative products, a category that has only continued to grow despite the difficulties that have beset the food and beverage space in recent months. According to SPINS statistics from April, plant-based product sales grew 35% faster than the food category in general. Overall, the plant-based category was up 27% over 2019. The Swiss food giant has already taken steps to capitalize on the popularity of this category and has alternative burgers, mince meat, sausages and chicken nuggets available on shelves.
This new plant-based tuna is built on a base of pea protein and only has six ingredients: water, pea protein, wheat gluten, rapeseed oil, salt and a blend of natural flavors. It is packaged in glass jars and sold in cold cases, and Nestlé designed the product for use in sandwiches, salads and pizza.
Nutritionally, the product diverges from sea-based tuna. Per 100 grams, Vuna contains 266kcal, 23.4 grams protein and 18.2 grams of fat, 2.4 grams of which is saturated fat. In addition, Nestlé says the product contains all essential amino acids and no artificial colors or preservatives.
It took Nestlé nine months to develop the product and release it onto shelves. Food Navigator reported that Nestlé is already looking into other seafood alternative products, such as fish and shellfish.
Although the company is entering a relatively small segment of the plant-based space - plant-based seafood comprised only 1% of U.S. plant-based meat sales in 2019, according to data from the Good Food Institute - it is one that is expanding quickly. Good Catch, Hooked, New Wave and Prime Roots are all well-known competitors in the space that are receiving institutional funding to widen the gulf between them and newcomers. However, Nestlé has the advantage of deep pockets and well-established distribution channels that it can leverage to ride the wave of this swelling category and catch up.
Related news
Tesco launches laser-etched avocados to reduce plastic packaging
3 Jul 2024
UK supermarket chain Tesco is trialing a new laser-etched avocado range as part of its measures to cut down on plastic packaging and enhance its environmental profile.
Read moreRethinking funding for food technology
28 Jun 2024
The landscape of foodtech investment is evolving. With the need for long-term investment perspectives, what are the most effective strategies driving the next wave in foodtech innovation?
Read moreConsumers dislike faba beans’ sensory profile
3 Jun 2024
Consumers display low acceptance of faba beans, with sensory properties such as bitterness a core concern, a study suggests. However, for product varieties such as cocoa-free chocolate, this attribute could prove to be a benefit.
Read moreCS3D approval raises hopes of better tackling child labour in the cocoa industry
31 May 2024
The EU has given the green light to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), impacting the entire value chain, including the cocoa and chocolate industry.
Read moreEU proposes stricter limits for chemicals used in packaging
30 May 2024
Food and drink businesses may be required to lower their use of hazardous chemicals used in packaging, under proposed changes to the EU legislation on food contact materials.
Read moreLatest EIT Food Trust Report finds declining trust in the European food system
24 May 2024
European food innovation organisation EIT Food's latest consumer trust findings call for better consumer engagement to improve trust and access to information, processes, and decision-making.
Read moreHealth and environmental food trends boost umami presence
9 May 2024
Plant-based products, lower salt formulations, and snacking options resonate with manufacturers looking to enhance umami flavour profiles in their offerings.
Read moreThe rise of plant-based - and plastic-free - chewing gum
7 May 2024
Conventional chewing gum is typically made from a gum base that can contain plastic, paraffin, and synthetic resin. Enter the challenger brands making plant-based gum from chicle, the chewy sap of the Sapodilla tree. ‘Chew plants, not plastic,’ they sa...
Read moreShifting global consumer sentiment drives non-plastic packaging innovation
24 Apr 2024
Consumer attitudes towards packaging are rapidly changing around the world, causing brands to respond with increasing claims of ‘eco-friendly packaging’.
Read moreBalenti adds the benefits of baobab to functional nut butters
19 Apr 2024
French startup Balenti uses sustainably sourced, wild-harvested baobab fruit to make its healthy nut butters with functional benefits.
Read more