Plant-based fish: The new frontier in meat alternatives

Plant-based meat alternatives are becoming increasingly lifelike, while fish alternatives have been left behind – but that could be about to change.

A handful of start-ups specialising in lifelike plant-based fish has emerged, aiming to emulate not only the taste and texture of fish, but also its nutritional value – an aspect that arguably has been less prominent in the development of other meat substitutes. Fish is an important source of healthy fats, and omega-3 fatty acids in particular, as well as protein, vitamins and minerals. Its nutrient density – and very specific nutrient make-up – means most people are advised to eat at least two portions a week. But it is a goal that few western consumers reach.

While meat analogues are big business, faux fish has been slow to catch up, accounting for only around 1% of the total substitutes market. Partly, this is because many consumers do not see a need to cut back on fish from a health perspective, and partly it is because people eat hundreds of different kinds of fish, and mimicking their exact texture and flavour so far has proved elusive.

However, a few manufacturers have taken on the challenge, and the number of entrepreneurial businesses in the category looks set to expand. In the United States, leading meat alternatives manufacturer Gardein already makes fishless filets and breaded crabless cakes, and Impossible Foods – maker of the ‘bleeding’ Impossible Burger – has set its sights on making a faux fish product that is a convincing alternative to real fish. If successful, it would join companies like Good Catch, which makes a plant-based flaked tuna alternative from a blend of six different kinds of beans, each of which adds its own character to the bite and texture of the product. Good Catch also uses algal oil to add a seafood-like briny flavour as well as omega-3 fatty acids.

Ingredient suppliers, too, already have a range of products intended for use in plant-based fish alternatives. Hydrosol, for instance, provides stabilising systems suitable for such products, while from a nutritional perspective, a joint venture from Evonik and DSM has developed a sustainable and scalable fish-free source of omega-3 fatty acids from marine algae.

The market segment looks set for a wave of innovation. Good Catch aims to develop substitutes for other fish and seafood if its tuna alternative product proves popular – and so far, it has raised over $18.7 million over three funding rounds, suggesting plenty of interest.

Ocean Hugger Foods is another US-based company working on seafood alternatives, focusing on those commonly used in sushi, with substitutes for raw tuna, salmon and eel based on tomato, carrot and aubergine respectively. Meanwhile, meat giant Tyson Foods has invested in New Wave Foods, which makes plant-based shrimp, adding to Tyson’s growing portfolio of meat alternative investments.

Those in the sector suggest that faux fish products are likely to gain in popularity in the coming years amid growing awareness of overfishing. Globally, fish and seafood consumption is at an all-time high, having more than doubled to about 20 kg per capita over the past 50 years, according to European Commission research. And the UN Food and Agriculture Organization says that about 90% of wild fish stocks are either overfished or fully exploited.

In addition, fish alternatives may find an important audience among vegetarian and allergic consumers, as well as among those looking for reduced levels of contaminants such as mercury, heavy metals and microplastics, such as pregnant women, and a broad cross section of consumers looking for more humane, sustainable and healthy protein sources.