‘Our plant-based tuna alternative is delicious, nutritious and high in protein, while also being mercury-free’

Swiss food giant Nestlé has announced the launch of its first plant-based tuna alternative.

It took Nestlé nine months to perfect the plant-based recipe, which includes a blend of pea protein, wheat gluten, rapeseed oil and natural flavours.

Called Vuna, the latest product sold under the Garden Gourmet brand will debut in Switzerland, before releasing in the global market.

‘Innovation strength’

Eugenio Simioni, Market Head for Nestlé Switzerland, said: “We are delighted to launch this strategic expansion of Nestlé’s plant-based offerings in the Swiss market first.

It is another example of the innovation strength of Nestlé in Switzerland, and the exceptional capabilities and expertise we have in this country in the area of food and nutrition.”

According to the brand, the rich flavoured and flaky textured plant-based tuna alternative, which comes packed in glass jars can be used in a wide range of dishes including salads, sandwiches and pizzas.

‘Excited’

While the current US vegan seafood market is fairly small compared to the plant-based meat market, the category is showing great growth potential for its environmental and health benefits prompting many food giants to introduce plant-based salmon and tuna alternatives in a bid to capture the growing market.

According to Nestlé’s Chief Technology Officer Stefan Palzer: “Sustainably produced plant-based seafood alternatives can help to reduce overfishing and to protect the biodiversity of our oceans.

“Our plant-based tuna alternative is delicious, nutritious and high in protein, while also being mercury-free.

“We are excited to launch this great product, and other plant-based fish and shellfish alternatives are already under development.”

 Nestlé and plant-based foods

Apart from foraying into the vegan seafood market, Nestlé continues to expand its alt dairy range.

It currently offers dairy-free products made from rice, oat, soy, coconut and almonds. 

The brand is expected to launch Starbucks non-dairy creamers in the US this month, a vegan condensed carnation made from oat milk in the UK in September as well as a range of non-dairy cheese to complement its range of plant-based burgers, mince meat, sausages and chicken nuggets.

• Read: Students create 3D-printed vegan salmon to drive sustainability in the seafood industry

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