Nestlé announced today its entry into the plant-based seafood alternative market with the introduction of a tuna alternative product. The company stated that the plant-based tuna alternative can be used in a wide range of dishes such as salads, sandwiches and pizzas.

Overfishing of tuna and other seafoods can cause significant ocean sustainability problems, both to the fished species and to the broader ecosystem. According to WWF, depletion of tuna, a key ocean predator can allow populations of prey species to expand, leading to a destabilized food web and marine environment.

Stefan Palzer, Nestlé Chief Technology Officer, said:

“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.”

The new tuna alternative product is made from a combination of only six plant-based ingredients. According to the company, it is rich in nutritious pea protein, one of the most environmentally friendly sources of plant-based protein, and it contains all the essential amino acids while remaining free of artificial colorings or preservatives.

The new product’s initial launch will be under the Garden Gourmet brand in Switzerland, featuring both a chilled product, which is available in a glass jar, as well as plant-based tuna sandwiches in select stores.

Nestlé stated that it developed the tuna alternative in only 9 months, leveraging its deep expertise in protein science and proprietary technologies. The new product adds to the company’s suite of plant-based alternatives to burgers, mince, meatballs, sausages, cold cuts, chicken nuggets, and chicken filets. The products are developed by Nestlé Research in Switzerland and the dedicated R&D Centers for food in Germany and the United States.

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.”