Plant-Based Alternatives to Cod and Tuna
Moving Mountains is a food brand more known for its vegan burgers and mince. It was founded by a vegetarian entrepreneur who was told by his GP to give up dairy for his health. He got better and now his products are sold nationwide, and widely used in food service.
The brand also makes fishless fingers (and fishless fillets). Both have a flaky texture and wrapped in golden crunchy breadcrumbs. Serve with chips and peas with ketchup, for a delicious treat.
Not real fish, so keep away from dogs and cats!
Why Choose Plant-Based Alternatives to Cod?
We’re not talking here about the lone fisherman who goes out to catch his lunch. But cod is now so over-fished on huge vessels, that it’s now an endangered species. 50% of fish stock(especially cod, haddock and plaice) in England’s waters are below safe biological limits.
Due to shortage of North Atlantic cod, some chip shops sell ‘rock salmon’ or ‘huss’ (which is dogfish – shark).
Alaskan pollock (the fish in McDonald’s filet-o-fish) is now also in danger. One expert says ‘if you don’t know what the fish in your meal is – it’s likely pollock).
Over-fishing hurts wild stocks, and dolphins, turtles and harmless basking sharks end up as by-catch.
Many people are also worried about mercury and other unwanted chemicals found in cod and pollock. People who eat a lot of ‘predator’ fish could be at risk, which is why NHS recommends caution for pregnancy, children and those with weak immune systems (same with oily fish).
A Simple Recipe for ‘Chickpea Tuna!’
This recipe for chickpea tuna (The Simple Veganista) is very simple to make. Chickpeas are high in protein and calcium, and when mixed with chopped celery and vegan mayo (with salt/pepper) make a nice alternative.
Read up on food safety for people and pets. Bin allium scraps (onion, leeks, garlic, shallots, chives) and tomato/citrus/rhubarb scraps (acids may harm compost creatures).
For tinned chickpeas (and vegan tuna in stores), fully remove tinned lids (or pop ring-pulls back over holes) before recycling, to avoid wildlife getting trapped.
Why Switch to Vegan Tuna?
Tuna (huge fish) are are of those that often are caught using by-catch methods like purse seine nets and longlines, catching other marine creatures like dolphins (who often swim alongside yellow fin tuna in the sea). Bluefin tuna is endangered, used to make Asian sushi.
Here’s a super-simple recipe from a now out-of-date book called Four-Ingredient Vegan. It kind of tastes like tuna (especially if you add a little kelp powder). It’s not 100% the same, but makes a nice filling for baked potatoes or sandwiches:
- Mash a can of drained chickpeas (full of protein and calcium).
- Add a chopped stick of celery
- Add add optional pinch of kelp (makes things taste ‘fishy’)
- Mix in few tablespoons of vegan mayo.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Where to Buy Vegan Tinned Tuna
If you don’t want to make your own, there are plenty of plant-based tunas on sale in stores like Vivera and Good Catch.
You can also buy ‘tins of vegan tuna’. Some are better than others (John West even do them, but they are all curry-based). If you prefer something more traditional, Plant Pioneers No Tuna Flakes (Sainsbury’s) are good, coated in vegan mayo and ideal for sandwiches or jacket potatoes.
The No Catch Co (a vegan fish and chippy in Brighton!)
The No Catch Co (Brighton) is England’s first vegan fish and chip shop! Set up by animal welfare campaigners, it was designed to offer an alternative to fish caught in nets (that catch other species), and help reduce fishing for cod (now endangered), sold in zero waste packaging.
Most items are made from algae-based protein (2.3 trillion fish are killed each year for food). The fishing industry also catches dolphins, seals, whales, sea turtles and sharks – and causes immense suffering and greenhouse gas emissions.
Diners are blown away by wonderful alternatives::
- Vegan Cod or Smoked Haddock & Chips
- Jumbo Battered Saveloy & Chips
- Jumbo Lemom Shrimp
- Calamari Sides & Chips
- No-Cow Desserts!
