Singapore researchers craft 3D-printed calamari analog; South Korea's Unlimeat teases tuna analog

SeafoodSource is closely following the plant-based and cell-based seafood alternatives market by compiling a regular round-up of updates from the sector.

-On 13 August, researchers at the National University of Singapore announced the creation of a 3D-printed calamari analog made from microalgae protein and mung bean protein. The analog contains more protein than real calamari, at 20 percent versus 8 percent, according to the research team, which also said the texture and consistency of the new product is indistinguishable from real calamari. 

The cultivated calamari was created to secure alternatives for the seafood industry, eliminating the depleting supply worldwide, the National University of Singapore said in a release.

“I think it's imminent that the seafood supply could be very limited in the future,” National University of Singapore Researcher Poornima Vijayan, who participated on the project said. “We need to be prepared from an alternative protein point of view, especially here in Singapore, where over 90 percent of the fish is imported.”

- Seoul, South Korea-based plant-based company Unlimeat has teased the upcoming launch of a tuna analog.

The Unlimeat tuna analog is made from soybean protein and is designed to replicate the taste and consistency of real tuna, Unlimeat CEO and Founder Keum Chae Min wrote on LinkedIn.

“It is plant-based tuna that is high in protein, and especially free of mercury. Now is the time to enjoy delicious plant-based seafood beyond plant-based meat!” Min said. 

Unlimeat is preparing for a launch in Europe, Min wrote on LinkedIn, without revealing a launch date. 

-After the launch of its frozen plant-based sushi in March 2023 and its raising of USD 26 million (EUR 23 million) in its first round of seed funding earlier this month, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada-based Konscious Foods has been nominated for the BC Food and Beverage Innovation Award. The company also posted on its LinkedIn that its COO Susan Vann has been selected as a finalist for a leadership award. Voting for the awards will take place from 5 to 19 September. 

Photo courtesy of National University of Singapore