In recent years, the plant-based food sector has witnessed a significant evolution, moving from meat alternatives to vegan options that mimic seafood. This trend has garnered attention as brands roll out an array of products designed to appeal to consumers, whether they are transitioning away from animal products or simply exploring new culinary experiences. VegNews reports that vegan seafood now offers everything from smoked salmon and crispy crab cakes to chewy shrimp and sushi-grade tuna.

Vegan seafood consists of products crafted without any animal ingredients, which proponents argue benefits both oceans and marine life—removing the issues linked to overfishing and ghost nets. The compositions of these products vary by brand, with many relying on innovative plant-based ingredients. For instance, some brands incorporate protein-rich legumes to recreate the flaky texture of fish, while others utilise soy for its meaty qualities or konjac, a root vegetable known for its chewier texture.

Several brands have emerged as frontrunners in the vegan seafood market, each offering a unique selection of products. Among these, Gardein has established itself as a pioneer with its Crabless Cakes and Fishless Filets, which can be found at many supermarkets in the United States. Konscious Foods, founded by Gardein's Yves Potvin, offers convenient frozen vegan sushi and made a splash at the 2023 Natural Products Expo West.

Fysh Foods, which gained notoriety after its appearance on Shark Tank, specializes in vegan Spicy Tuna made from a blend of tapioca and algae, making it versatile for various dishes. Seed to Surf focuses on plant-based tinned fish, featuring products like Enoki Mushroom Snow Crab and Celery Smoked Whitefish, aimed at replicating the unique flavours of traditional canned seafood.

The South Korean brand Unlimeat has also expanded its offerings to include vegan tuna flakes, suitable for salads and sandwiches. Similarly, All Vegetarian has transitioned from a wholesale operation to retail, providing a diverse range of vegan seafood such as chewy vegan shrimp.

BeLeaf is recognised for its konjac-based sushi-grade products, while Jinka offers multiple flavours of vegan tuna salad as part of its range of vegan seafood items. Traditional seafood heritage is maintained in the Japanese company Azuma Foods, which introduced vegan tuna and salmon sashimi alongside other innovative options like plant-based ikura and caviar.

Unmeat, originally from the Philippines, has penetrated the US market with its canned vegan tuna designed for easy meal preparation. Australian brand Boldly aims to disrupt the seafood market with its extensive product line, which encompasses various fish types.

In the realm of gourmet vegan alternatives, Cavi-art has crafted a caviar substitute, employing seaweed to achieve that unique texture, while Goldie Lox offers vegan smoked salmon made from organic carrots, ideal for brunch settings. Lastly, Hungry Planet focuses on crafting chef-driven vegan seafood options, while The Plant Based Seafood Co creates delightful konjac-based scallops and other products, showcasing the versatility of plant-based ingredients.

With the proliferation of these brands and their innovative products, consumers are presented with an expanded selection of vegan seafood that caters to a variety of tastes and culinary preferences.