Schouten Europe launches improved plant-based tuna with enhanced taste and texture

Schouten Europe, the Dutch family-owned company known for its wide range of plant-based proteins, has announced the launch of a new plant-based tuna. The product, which debuts this month, has been designed for versatile use across foodservice and ready-meal applications.

The tuna alternative can be used cold in spreads, wraps, and salads, or as a ready-to-eat ingredient in pizzas, flammkuchen, and prepared meals. Schouten says the product represents a significant improvement in taste and texture compared with its previous tuna analogue.

“We have achieved a significant step forward in both texture and taste,” said Annemiek Vervoort, Product Manager at Schouten Europe. “We are confident this new product will meet consumer expectations even more effectively.”

Vervoort emphasized the environmental and ethical motivation behind the launch. Many tuna species remain under pressure from overfishing, with some populations such as bluefin tuna considered at risk of extinction. Schouten sees plant-based alternatives as a way to reduce pressure on marine ecosystems while still offering the familiar taste and structure of tuna.

“Our new plant-based tuna has the same structure and taste as real tuna,” Vervoort said. “You can eat it cold straight away, making it ready to use immediately. This way, everyone can continue to enjoy the taste of tuna responsibly.”

The company has positioned the product as a sustainable, healthier alternative that supports consumer demand for seafood without contributing to overfishing. By offering a convenient and ready-to-use format, Schouten hopes to increase adoption among both foodservice operators and consumers.

The new tuna is part of Schouten’s ongoing effort to refine and expand its Classics range, which includes plant-based versions of familiar meat and fish products.

“We firmly believe that continuous improvement of these products will drive greater consumer acceptance,” Vervoort said. “After all, why wouldn’t consumers choose something just as delicious, while being healthier, more sustainable, and cost-effective?”

This emphasis on recipe optimization reflects Schouten’s broader strategy to align taste and texture improvements with consumer expectations. The company believes that mainstream acceptance of plant-based seafood and meat depends not only on sustainability credentials but also on delivering a sensory experience equal to conventional products.

Currently, the product is available chilled in 3.5kg and 1kg bags, with a minimum shelf life of three months. Schouten is positioning the format primarily for professional use, catering to food manufacturers and foodservice operators seeking plant-based fish alternatives for their product lines and menus.

Founded in 1990, Schouten was the first Dutch company to develop meat substitutes from plant-based proteins. Over the past three decades, it has built one of the world’s most extensive ranges of plant-based meat alternatives and now supplies customers in more than 50 countries, largely under private label.

The company also develops tailor-made products for clients, tailoring recipes and formats to specific market needs. In 2021, Schouten expanded into fish alternatives, adding seafood to its plant-based portfolio.

The launch of the new tuna underscores the company’s focus on combining heritage with innovation. By continuously refining its Classics range, Schouten aims to make plant-based eating more accessible and attractive to a mainstream audience.

As competition in the plant-based protein sector intensifies, companies are under pressure to deliver not just alternatives but improvements. For Schouten, the focus has been on producing seafood substitutes that replicate the taste and texture of conventional fish while offering health and sustainability advantages.

The company’s new tuna is designed to provide the sensory experience of conventional tuna without the environmental cost, and with the added convenience of a ready-to-eat format.

By addressing multiple consumer concerns – taste, nutrition, convenience, and sustainability – Schouten hopes its new product will appeal to a broad audience.

With global awareness of overfishing on the rise and demand for plant-based seafood accelerating, Schouten is positioning its new tuna as a timely solution for the food industry.

“Continuous improvement is what drives us,” Vervoort said. “We want to offer products that are just as enjoyable as the originals, while making it easier for consumers and companies to make responsible choices.”