Vegan tuna hits Tesco store shelves

Already distributed to 4,500 retail outlets in the US, Good Catch is made from a blend of legumes with seaweed and algae extracts, which give the product a seafood flavour.

The vegan fish alternative will be available in three flavour variants, Naked in Water, Oil & Herbs and Mediterranean. 

Good Catch chief executive Chris Kerr said: “Sustainability is, and will continue to be, higher on the consumer agenda than ever before and it’s no secret that this has played a huge part in the rapid growth of plant-based food and drink.”​

‘Seafood is the next wave’​

“Up to now, demand for these products has centred primarily in the meat and dairy aisles, with sales of meat-free alternatives growing quickly. Without question, seafood is the next wave and offers a huge opportunity.”​

Kerr pointed to a global collapse of fisheries by 2048 as a call to action for his vegan fish alternative.

He called on consumers to start embracing plant-based seafood in the same way they had already embraced the idea of meat-free bleeding burgers and almond milk, “particularly when we can offer the same taste, texture and nutritional profile as seafood”.​

Seafood experience without sacrifice​

Co-founder Derek Sarno said Good Catch was designed to give consumers the opportunity to enjoy a seafood experience without sacrifice, by offering a product with the same texture and flavour as fish.

“People want nutritious and easy to prepare alternatives and this is exactly what Good Catch products are designed to deliver, so we’re thrilled to be able to make them available at Tesco,”​ Sarno added.

“We’re providing health-conscious shoppers with a ready-to-eat fish-free tuna that is high in plant-based protein and contains omega-3s, offering a healthy and great-tasting alternative to a much-loved everyday favourite, while reducing the environmental impact on our planet.”​

Meanwhile, a two-year research project that aims to help food and drink manufacturers use protein-rich plant-based ingredients more effectively​​ has been launched by Campden BRI.