Nestlé plans to release plant-based substitutes for eggs and shrimp to the European market soon, expanding its presence in alternative protein, the company announced.
Nestlé’s egg substitute, branded vEGGie, is being released under its Garden Gourmet line of plant-based protein alternatives. The liquid product, which contains soy protein and omega-3 fatty acids, can be scrambled or used as an ingredient. The vegan shrimp, branded Vrimp, follows Nestlé’s introduction of plant-based tuna last year.
The two products will be launched soon in Switzerland, where Nestlé is headquartered, and other European countries. The company did not disclose any immediate plans to release them in the U.S.
Nestlé has devoted research to the basics of plant-based alternative proteins, in particular the use of pea protein. "We want to be as close as possible to the animal-based version, because then it's much easier for people to switch to these type of products," the company’s chief technology officer told Reuters.
