The Israeli food technology startup Plantish is on a mission to save the oceans by developing plant-based fish meat.
On January 13, Plantish announced its “plant-based salmon fillet” that mimics the appearance, texture, and flavor of real fish. It is made from pea protein, combined with algal oil and several other binding agents.
The product also provides protein, Omega-3, Omega-6, and B vitamins, but contains no mercury, hormones, or microplastics that may be found in ocean-caught salmon.
The Israeli startup is collaborating with renowned chef Jose Andres to serve their artificial salmon at select restaurants this year, with plans to launch it in grocery stores by 2024.
Plantish’s plant-based salmon fillet. (Photo: Plantish).
“Plantish was founded to save the oceans by reducing the demand for seafood consumption through providing sustainable, nutritious, and tastier alternatives. Our vision is to become the leading brand in artificial seafood worldwide,” emphasized CEO Ofek Ron.
Plantish creates its plant-based salmon fillet using 3D printing technology, a method commonly used for producing plant-derived artificial foods. This allows for the creation of fillets with fibers that simulate the texture of real food.
According to IMARC Group, a leading global market research company, the current seafood market is valued at approximately $586 billion, with salmon accounting for $50 billion. Overfishing is threatening ocean ecosystems, pushing some species to the brink of extinction.
Environmental pollution is also causing seafood to become contaminated. A 2020 study led by the University of Exeter in the UK and the University of Queensland in Australia found microplastics present in all seafood samples purchased at markets, including fish, shrimp, crabs, squid, and oysters, with sardines being the most affected, containing microplastic levels up to 30 mg, equivalent to a grain of rice, per serving.
