Capitalising on the growth of vegan and vegetarian diets, the world’s biggest food company has a new faux seafood product.
Adding to it’s faux-tuna offering (Vuna), Nestlé has introduced Vrimp. Made from seaweed and peas, the food giant described the new product as an exciting innovation, with the alt-seafood having the “authentic texture and flavour of succulent shrimps”.
Nestlé has even managed to mimic the distinctive shape using special moulds, meaning they can replace the real thing in a salad or poké bowl. The orange sweep of colour on the body has been replicated using paprika and carrot.
Vrimp is one of a raft of plant-based foods being launched by the Swiss company. It has also developed an egg substitute, vEGGie. The liquid, which is made with soy protein, is a versatile ingredient for cooks, Nestlé says, and can be scrambled “like real eggs”. It is expected to go on sale in Swiss supermarkets this year.
Nestlé is keen not to miss out on sales to the growing number of people who are cutting their intake of animal products or giving them up altogether. It has already launched vegan versions of some of its high-profile brands, including its famous KitKat.
Last year Nestlé started experimenting with plant-based fish – it already sells plant-based burgers and sausages – with the launch of its tuna alternative Vuna, although that is yet to go on sale in the UK. Vrimp’s arrival is also likely to be some time off due to its early stage of development. However, Nestlé recently threw down the gauntlet to Oatly with the launch of its pea-milk brand Wunda.
