Catchfree is a food tech startup that has emerged from the Swiss Technical Institute of Technology (ETH). The company is developing sustainable, nutrient-rich plant-based seafood, starting with a microalgae-based shrimp alternative.
Made using a proprietary process, the plant-based shrimp combines microalgae with other plant proteins to replicate the taste, texture, and nutritional value of conventional shrimp. The product has been made possible by the increasing availability of non-pigmented microalgae, which provides a rich source of protein and fatty acids without undesirable colours or flavours. Paprika is used to give the plant-based shrimp an authentic colour without the need for artificial additives.
Catchfree was founded by food scientists Eduard Müller and Severin Eder to address overfishing and the environmental issues associated with aquaculture.
“We’re focusing on seafood because better solutions have already been developed for plant-based fish and development there is more advanced,” Eder said in an article published by ETH Zurich in 2022.
Nutritious and sustainable
The plant-based shrimp was recently exhibited at Berlin Food Week, and became available in Zurich last year through a partnership with Indian restaurant Taj Palace. Customers can also order Taj Palace dishes containing the shrimp alternative, including curry and dumplings, via Uber Eats.
Additionally, catchfree has developed a fish burger, which made its debut at Brauwerk restaurant in the Swiss city of St. Gallen from August 15-24. In future, the startup plans to launch alternatives to other types of seafood.
A study published last December found that algae-derived proteins could provide a sustainable alternative to animal proteins, helping to maintain and build muscle. Furthermore, a survey conducted in Singapore found that consumer perceptions of microalgae-based foods are positive, with participants believing the products are innovative, sustainable, and nutritious.
“Our healthy and savoury seafood is flipping the script on the harmful impact of traditional seafood production,” says catchfree on its website. “Made from natural ingredients only, we’re crafting plant-only seafood without harming nature.”
