EUROPE – Nestlé, a global leader in the food and beverage industry, has taken a step in response to the growing demand for plant-based alternatives by introducing a range of plant-based alternatives to white fish.
These innovative products, which include breaded fish fillets, nuggets, and fingers, have been crafted to closely replicate the taste and texture of white fish while offering robust nutrition credentials.
Notably, these plant-based seafood alternatives are also certified vegan, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
The new plant-based white fish alternatives are set to make their debut in Europe under the Garden Gourmet brand.
Nestlé’s offering will feature marine-style crispy filet and marine-style crispy nuggets, both of which are created using a blend of wheat and pea protein.
These fish-free fingers are also crafted to offer a source of protein and fibre, and they are coated with a crispy breading infused with herbs like oregano and rosemary, providing consumers with a delightful and nutritious plant-based seafood option.
The products are designed to be high in protein while keeping saturated fat levels low, and they have already received a Nutri-score A in countries that use the Nutri-score front-of-pack labelling system.
Consumers in Europe, including countries such as Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, will have the opportunity to enjoy these plant-based white fish alternatives, with the products set to be available both online and in physical stores.
The growing demand driven by concerns about overfishing and the need to protect ocean biodiversity has prompted Nestlé to leverage its expertise in plant-based proteins and its global reach to meet these consumer expectations for taste, texture, and nutritional value in plant-based seafood offerings.
Massimo Zucchero, Global Category Lead for plant-based meals at Nestlé, underscored the importance of reducing overfishing and safeguarding the biodiversity of our oceans while offering delicious and nutritious alternatives to traditional fish products.
“These plant-based white fish alternatives complement Nestlé’s existing plant-based portfolio, which includes Garden Gourmet Vuna, an alternative to tuna fish,” he said.
Nestlé is not stopping at its current innovations but is actively exploring cutting-edge technologies for animal-free products, such as precision fermentation and cultured meat.
The market for plant-based seafood has been steadily growing, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 5.5% from 2023 to 2032, according to data from Global Market Insight.
Nestlé’s introduction of these plant-based white fish alternatives aligns perfectly with the rising demand for plant-based products and sustainable dietary choices.
With these innovations, Nestlé is poised to make a significant impact on the plant-based seafood market and contribute to a more sustainable and balanced food industry.
