© NH Foods
Osaka-based food processing company NH Foods has officially launched its plant-based tuna sashimi alternative into the domestic restaurant market. The alt-seafood product aims to mimic the aroma and texture of raw tuna to give consumers an authentic gastronomic experience.
The alt-seafood sector, which creates plant-based alternatives to classic marine foods, is growing, albeit slowly, in light of the uncertain future of some marine resources. Whilst many seafood consumers may not be keen to switch out their salmon for a soy-based replica, alternative seafoods are becoming increasingly popular amongst vegetarians, vegans, and others who don't eat meat. One research firm has estimated that the global market for such products is expected to be worth about $41 billion by 2030.
Seeking to provide a more sustainable alternative to tuna, which is one of the most popular purchases in the Japanese seafood market, NH Foods has spent a year developing its plant-based product from powdered konjac, dietary fibre, and other ingredients.
Currently, the alt-tuna is only available for sale to restaurants in Japan, but NH Foods is keen to expand its availability. The food processing company also aims to introduce a wider variety of seafood alternatives to its product line.
“We would like to consider expanding the variety of products, focusing on seafood that is in high demand due to low catches,” a company official said, according to The Mainichi, a Japanese news platform.
