A new report by ProVeg has found that with targeted improvements in nutritional formulation, plant-based seafood could provide the nutritional benefits of fish with a much smaller impact on the environment.
The report analyzes the nutritional value of 100 plant-based fish products sold in supermarkets across 11 countries, including alternatives to fish sticks, burgers, filets, canned tuna, smoked salmon, shrimp, and calamari.
“There are already some great plant-based fish products on the supermarket shelves”
The research pays special attention to key nutrients that motivate consumers to choose fish, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, iodine, and vitamin B12. It also analyzes levels of fiber, which is only found in plants, along with saturated fat and salt, which should be limited for health reasons.
“We have found that there are already some great plant-based fish products on the supermarket shelves to satisfy the demands of people who love to eat fish,” said Valentina Gallani, Health and Nutrition Manager at ProVeg. “Most of these alternatives are low in saturated fat and are a good source of protein.
“They also contain fiber, which animal-based fish products do not. So they are a viable alternative that is both nutritious and does not add to the destruction of sea life. However, we would like to see more inclusion of omega-3, such as algae oil, and more consistent fortification of essential micronutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and iodine.”
A growing market
There is a clear demand for plant-based seafood — according to a report published last year, the market is expected to grow with a huge CAGR of 43.5% from 2024 to 2032. In a survey conducted in 2023, 42% of European consumers said they found plant-based seafood appealing, and 43% said they would consider purchasing it.
To boost the market further, ProVeg recommends that producers make plant-based alternatives with the same nutritional value as conventional fish products. Retailers are advised to place plant-based products in high-traffic areas or close to their animal-based counterparts in supermarkets, and to price them competitively with animal products.
Finally, the report recommends that governments set clear nutritional guidelines for plant-based fish alternatives in order to improve product quality, help consumers make informed choices, and guide producers in developing healthier products.
Fish farms create “more and different problems”
According to ProVeg, almost 40% of global fish stocks are currently overfished, while another 50% are being harvested to their limits. Consequently, there is a need to diversify protein sources to improve food security.
The organization emphasizes that fish farms are not the solution, since they can harm local biodiversity, water quality, and animal welfare. It also claims that antibiotics and chemicals are often used in these systems, potentially damaging the environment and increasing the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
“Aquaculture has only introduced more and different problems for us to tackle,” said Gallani. “We would urge societies to focus rather on building up the quality and accessibility of plant-based fish so that individuals can increasingly help to restore the oceans and enjoy healthy food at the same time.”
