Tuna-Free Tuna, Made Of Pea Protein

A new, plant-based tuna substitute has been developed in Israel, and is being rolled out in the retail and food service sectors.

Vgarden, developer of plant-based alternatives including nuggets, cheeses, and spreads, claims its new product has the same appearance, texture, and flavor of the canned kitchen staple.

The company say that unlike real tuna, it does not contain toxic metals, microplastics, or other ocean pollutants.

The tuna-free tuna is based on pea protein, and other natural ingredients including fibers and sunflower oil. It took the startup a year to develop the formula, which has a protein content of up to 14 percent.

Tuna is the world’s most consumed fish, according to the UN, and the global market for it is expected to grow from $41 billion in 2022 to $49 billion in 2029.

“Tinned tuna has a very distinct flaky, yet moist and chewy texture, with a powerful fresh-from-the sea aroma,” said Ilan Adut, CEO of Vgarden.

“Our new tuna-like product is clean-label, scalable, affordable, and sustainable. But for our plant-based creation to serve as a true substitute, even beyond compellingly mimicking all of the sensory qualities, it also has to match tuna as much as possible in nutritional value.”

Tom Rothman, head of global sales, said: “Aquaculture and the overfishing of this high-in-demand fish has had a devastating effect on their numbers to the point that it has put several species, such as the yellowfin and the Atlantic Bluefin, on the edge of extinction.

“This not only poses problems in terms of food security but also negatively impacts the delicate and fragile balance of the marine environment. Our plant-based tuna solution can help turn the tide on this ecocatastrophe and contribute to the restoration of the ocean’s wild tuna populations.”

Vgarden was established in 2017, and is based in Kibbutz Gan Shmuel, Northern Israel.