Can YOU spot the real calamari? Scientists claim their 3D-printed vegan squid rings look and taste just like the real deal

Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴


Plant-Based Calamari: A Sustainable Seafood Alternative

Crispy, deep-fried calamari rings are a seafood delicacy enjoyed worldwide. Now, scientists are innovating with a vegan alternative: 3D-printed “calamari” crafted from mung bean protein and microalgae paste, offering a sustainable solution without sacrificing taste or texture. This innovative approach addresses the growing demand for seafood alternatives.

The Science Behind Vegan Calamari

Researchers at the National University of Singapore claim this innovative creation mimics the softness and elasticity of authentic squid. Furthermore, they assert that these vegan rings boast a superior protein content compared to their seafood counterparts.

  • Mung bean protein isolate
  • Powdered light-yellow microalgae
  • Gellan gum (thickener)
  • Canola oil

These 3D-printed calamari could appeal to diners seeking sustainable dining choices while enjoying familiar textures.

Development and Refinement of the Recipe

The research team initially unveiled their vegan calamari ring recipe in 2023. The initial concoction comprised mung bean protein isolate, powdered light-yellow microalgae, gellan gum, and canola oil. Although the rings possessed an ‘acceptable taste,’ the texture needed improvement. A significant factor was that the initial batch was air-fried, unlike traditional battered and deep-fried calamari.

Tweaking the Formula

Over two years, the scientists refined their recipe and 3D-printing techniques to create a mixture more suitable for frying. They printed layered rings, each 4.5cm in diameter, which were then frozen overnight before battering and deep-frying. By adjusting ingredient ratios, they meticulously honed the mixture to closely replicate calamari.

The final recipe comprised:

  • 1.5% gellan gum
  • 2% canola oil
  • 10% powdered microalgae (rich in protein and minerals)

Microscopic Analysis and Texture

Microscopic examination revealed small voids within the rings’ structure, which influenced their softness, making them remarkably similar to real seafood. According to Dr. Poornima Vijayan, lead author, this research exemplifies 3D printing’s potential to transform sustainable plant proteins into seafood analogs with comparable texture. The next stages involve assessing consumer acceptance and expanding the formulation for broader applications.

Squid Population Dynamics

Interestingly, the demand for alternate squid products might not be as high as for other seafood due to squid population dynamics. Studies indicate that squid populations have thrived, even as other species face extinction. The decline in larger, predatory fish creates an ecological niche for fast-growing, adaptable species like squid.

The Unregulated Squid Fishing Industry

However, recent studies have highlighted that large portions of the squid fishing sector are unregulated. Therefore, reported catch figures may not comprehensively reflect the actual extent of overfishing.

Alternative Seafood Innovations

This endeavor isn’t the pioneering effort to employ advanced science in crafting alternatives for popular seafood. Last year, Israeli startup Forsea Foods introduced lab-grown eel fillets. Instead of 3D-printing a bean-based alternative, Forsea Foods employs pluripotent stem cells to generate ‘organoids’ – miniature versions of 3D tissues. These organoids naturally organize into tissues containing both fat and protein.

Eel Conservation and Lab-Grown Solutions

Unlike squid, eels face severe threats from overfishing and are at risk of extinction. Overfishing and habitat destruction have decimated wild eel populations, leading to freshwater eels being listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List since 2018. Forsea Foods asserts that their method could sustain eel supply to restaurants and consumers without harming wild populations.


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