‘World’s First’ Plant-Based Whole-Cut Salmon Fillet Unveiled

As the alternative protein industry continues to innovate and reimagine popular foods in more sustainable ways, one start-up is launching an impressively-realistic vegan salmon fillet.

Credit: Plantish

As the food industry continues to invest in more sustainable solutions to feed an ever-growing global population, the alternative protein scene is developing everything from 3D-printed fillet steaks to McDonald’s meat-free McPlant burger.

Now, one innovative food tech start-up has unveiled what is thought to be the world’s first vegan whole-cut salmon - that’s created without harming a single fish. 

The fully-structured, boneless salmon fillet looks - and tastes - just like the real thing, but has been developed using a complex mixture of plant proteins to replicate the texture of animal muscle. 

Developed by Israel-based Plantish and dubbed the Plantish Salmon, the fillet contains the same nutritional value as conventional salmon, and is high in protein, Omega-3s and B vitamins. And it can also be cooked in all the ways that conventional salmon is prepared, too.

Having only entered the alternative protein market in early 2021, start-up Plantish has already received significant attention from investors and industry experts, having raised a pre-seed round of $2 million from a venture fund backed by 33 unicorn founders and angel investors, including Nuseir Yassin of Nas Daily.  

"We exist to save the oceans and eliminate the need to consume marine animals by providing more sustainable, more nutritious, and more delicious fish options", says Plantish  CEO Ofek Ron.

"Our vision is to be the world's leading seafood brand," adds Ron, "all without hurting a single fish."

Plantish Salmon will be launching in select pop-up locations by the end of the year, with an official launch slated for 2024.

Impact of ‘Future’ Foods

3D-printed fish fillets and cell-based seafood are just some of the technological advancements in the race to replace our current food system - one that requires the farming and slaughter of millions of land and sea animals every day - with a kinder, and more sustainable option.

Good Catch’s selection of vegan seafood. Credit: Good Catch

And it’s easy to see how alternative proteins are already beginning to transform the industry: national seafood chain Long John Silver’s recently launched fish-free fillets and plant-based ‘crab’ cakes last month, while one U.S. grocery store has even launched vegan sashimi that reportedly looks and tastes just like the real thing. And popular companies like Good Catch and Gardein already have tasty alternatives readily available in stores, from Good Catch’s varieties of fish-free tuna to Gardein’s fishless fillets and even crabless cakes.

Interested in trying plant-based fish but don’t know where to start? Check out Species Unite’s guide to the must-try vegan seafood brands that are available in grocery stores across the U.S. 

And to hear more about how vegan seafood is disrupting the food industry, listen to Species Unite chat with Chris Kerr, the Godfather of vegan venture capital and co-founder of Gathered Foods, known for its Good Catch plant-based seafood products.

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Species Unite

A collection of stories of those who fight the good fight on behalf of animals.

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