Trend Watch: Plant-Based 'Seafood' Gains Sophistication in 2026

Plant-based seafood is no longer just an experiment in replicating shrimp or tuna. The category matured in 2025 and early 2026, with companies and chefs focusing on texture engineering, sustainable sourcing, and culinary use-cases that acknowledge rather than merely mimic fish.

What's changed

• Manufacturers now use layered textures—plant-protein gels, seaweed-derived hydrocolloids, and precise extrusion—to get closer to flaky, fibrous mouthfeel.
• Flavor builders increasingly harness natural seaweed broths, mushroom extracts, and fermentation-derived umami to approximate oceanic depth without relying solely on artificial flavors.
• Chefs are integrating plant-based seafood as ingredients, not just replacements—using them in ceviche-style dishes, sushi rolls, and warmed stews where textures can shine.

Notable innovations

Key innovations include the use of microalgae oil for fatty mouthfeel, kombu-and-kelp broths as mineral-rich bottoms, and mycoprotein blends for flaky textures. Packaging and supply chain improvements have reduced the carbon footprint of some leading brands.

What chefs are doing

In tasting rooms, chefs pair plant-based scallops with browned butter emulsions and toasted hazelnuts to highlight texture contrasts. Sushi chefs are experimenting with marinated konjac ribbons and layered soy-curd sheets to create delicate rolls.

Consumer reception

Early adopters praise improved texture and better flavor complexity. Critics point out that many products still struggle with the multifaceted sensory experience of fresh fish—particularly the subtle interplay of fat, salt, and oceanic minerals.

Environmental context

Responsible plant-based seafood aims to reduce pressure on overfished stocks. However, ingredient sourcing matters—wild-harvested seaweeds and responsibly produced microalgae are preferable to chemically-extracted alternatives that may have carbon-intensive supply chains.

Where to experience it

• Progressive coastal restaurants in major cities.
• Specialty grocers carrying chef-focused brands.
• Direct-to-consumer companies offering subscription tasting kits.

How to cook at home

Treat plant-based seafood like its animal counterpart when cooking: don’t overheat delicate fillets, use acid and fat to build balance, and consider finishing under a broiler for caramelization when appropriate.

Outlook

The category's next step is normalizing plant-based seafood as a distinct culinary offering—an ingredient with its own strengths rather than a mere substitute. As technology improves, expect to see hybrid menus that place plant and animal proteins side by side, letting diners choose based on flavor, sustainability, and ethics.