First came beefy, bleeding vegan burgers. Next, plant-based chicken swooped in as competitors raced to deliver their vegan alternatives to the masses. And now, vegan seafood has entered the chat. From smoked salmon to crispy crab cakes, chewy shrimp, and sushi-grade tuna, the world of vegan seafood is nothing short of a treasure trove. Whether youre already fish-free or seriously contemplating it, here are sixteen vegan seafood products to pile in your cart.

Ocean Hugger Foods

This sushi-grade plant-based seafood company was hit hard by the pandemic. While its raw tomato-based tuna was met with constant praise, the founders decided to temporarily pause production in June 2020 due to the uncertain times. In March of last year, the company announced that it is planning a triumphant return after partnering with a Thailand-based global manufacturer of sustainable foods. Youll have to wait a little longer, but Ocean Hugger products will return to retailers and foodservice businesses. Follow them on Instagram (@oceanhuggerfoods) for the latest updates.Learn more here

Good Catch

From the founders of the popular Wicked Healthy blog and ready-made meal brand, Good Catch has wowed the world with its cooked tuna products. The line of packaged vegan tuna, crabless cakes, and more are available at hundreds of locations across the US and Canada including Whole Foods, Wegmans, Gelsons, and Veggie Grill.Learn more here

New Wave Foods

When replicating animal products, its often the texture that stumps many chefs and innovators. Shrimp was particularly difficult to replicate, until New Wave Foods cracked the code with its algae-based vegan shrimpthe first of its kind. This plant-based shrimp mimics that distinct chew of cooked shrimp perfectly, and the taste is equally on point. The distribution is limited for now, but after closing an $18 million finance round, New Wave is looking to make a splash on restaurant menus.Learn more here

Gardein

Craving something fried? Gardein is a pioneer in the vegan fish sector after gaining a loyal consumer base by sampling its Crabless Cakes at festivals before the pandemic hit. The Fishless Filets and Mini Crabless Cakes are widely available across the US in most major supermarkets and health food stores. Bring on the chips and vegan tartar sauce!Learn more here

All Vegetarian

Not only are these fishy products all vegetarian, but theyre also all vegan, too. This company started out as a wholesale business, selling only to restaurants, but it has since expanded to the retail sector. Look for its perfectly chewy vegan shrimp and shrimp balls at your local vegan grocer or online.Learn more here

BeLeaf

There are a handful of companies making vegan shrimp, but BeLeaf may be the only one mass-producing plant-based ribbon fish (aka salmon steaks). The tender piece of vegan seafood is made with a mix of soybeans, wheat gluten, seaweed, and spices to nail the flaky fish texture and the clean salmon taste. Unlike animal-based salmon, this filet is easy to cook up. Bonus: you dont have to worry about any bones.Learn more here

JINKA

Looking for some major umami to schmear on your bagel? Try JINKAs vegan tuna fish spread. Not quite cream cheese and not quite tuna salad, this smearable, slightly textured tuna works as a dip, spread, filling, and topper. Flavors come in Original, Lemon and Dill, and Spicy. Find it online or at select Bay Area health food stores.Learn more here

Sophies Kitchen

Yes, the vegan seafood is excellent, but were really in love with the tagline: Plant-based seafood thats tasty AF (as fish). This long-standing vegan company makes an assortment of fishy products including breaded shrimp and fish filets, sliced smoked salmon, crab cakes, and canned Toona. If youre looking for plant-based seafood, Sophies is a stellar one-stop-shop.Learn more here

Loma Linda

Whether youre looking for canned or pouched vegan tuna, the Loma Linda brand has you covered. While weve already mentioned a few plant-based tunas on this list, the flavors of this brand are absolute standouts. Tasty varieties include Thai Sweet Chili, Sesame Ginger, Sriracha, Lemon Pepper, and pure Spring Water. Hello, vegan sriracha tuna melt!Learn more here

Cavi-art

Oh, you fancy! Cavi-art has created vegan caviar for the refined and sophisticated palates. These salty umami pearls are made from seaweed, water, salt, spice extracts, and a stabilizer to give them that unique fish egg texturewithout the fish. Like fish eggs, vegan caviar is a rare find in stores, but anyone can purchase a case online at Vegan Essentials. You have to try it at least once!Learn more here

Goldie Lox

Created by a scientist turned chef, this vegan smoked salmon is a must-have for any Sunday brunch spread. These fishless strips are made using organic carrots, dill, salt, and tamari for a smoky flavor perfect for topping on your favorite bagel. Find it in select San Francisco grocers or online.Learn more here

Hungry Planet

Founded to improve human and planetary health, Hungry Planet and its selection of plant-based meats arent to be missed. These chef-crafted alternatives were perfected over a decade-long research and development, and the proof is in the pudding. These crispy, golden crabless cakes are packed with fiber and proetin, and are sure to be a hit with everyone at your kitchen table.Learn more here

Save da Sea Foods

When it comes to seafood staples, this Canada-based brand has you covered. Choose between tuna salad, classic smoked salmon, or smoked salmon with dill and capers. All products are free of gluten and soy, making them allergen friendly too boot.Learn more here

The Plant Based Seafood Co

This women-operated, family-owned company isnt just whipping up vegan fishtheyre wowing us with spice-dusted vegan scallops. Elevate your dinner with a helping of these konjac-based bites (ready in just two minutes!). Dont forget the wine.Learn more here

Vegan Zeastar

Its no surprise this vegan sashimi went viral. These realstic slabs of tuna and salmon sashimi took our collective breath away, and their familiar tastes and textures kept us coming back for more. Dont miss Vegan Zeastars Shrimpz (in Crispy Lemon and Crispy Chili flavors), Kalamariz, and Tasty Cod. Its a vegan seafood extravaganza!Learn more here

Current Foods

Previously known as Kuleana, food technology startup Current Foods is making a splash in the vegan seafood sector. The brands sushi-grade vegan tuna was named one of the best 100 inventions of 2021 by TIME magazine. Free of the top eight allergens, this plant-based tuna is made from a blend of bamboo, potatoes, radish, tomatoes, algae, and peas. The results? Familiar flavors and perfect textures that will make you forget about the real deal.Learn more here

Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.

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16 Vegan Seafood Options That Are Swimming in Flavor - VegNews