Seafood Industry Bets Americans Will Eat More Fish If It Looks Like Meat

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The seafood industry is increasingly trying to make fish and seafood products look and taste more like popular meat-based foods in an effort to appeal to American consumers who have historically shown less interest in eating seafood. Companies are developing tuna nuggets, fish-based burgers and sausages, and other seafood products designed to mimic the appearance and flavor of meat items.

Why it matters

Americans have long lagged behind other developed nations in seafood consumption, and the industry is hoping that making seafood products more meat-like will help overcome this cultural preference. This trend reflects the seafood industry's efforts to adapt to American tastes and boost overall seafood consumption in the U.S.

The details

At the recent Seafood Expo North America in Boston, numerous companies showcased seafood products designed to resemble popular meat items. This includes Tuna Fresh, a Taiwan-based company that sells tuna in the form of fried 'nuggets' and breaded chicken-tender-like strips. The goal is to 'engage in the U.S. market' by making seafood more palatable through fried and breaded preparations that mimic chicken tenders. Other seafood companies are developing fish-based burgers, sausages, and other meat-like products to appeal to American consumers.

• The Seafood Expo North America took place recently in Boston.

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