Austrian food-tech start-up Revo Foods has launched a new innovation, ‘The Kraken,’ inspired by octopus and crafted from mycoprotein.

According to the company, its fungi-based offering is the world’s first plant-based alternative to octopus tentacles. It has been developed to provide an authentic smell, taste, texture and appearance, suitable for recreating traditional octopus dishes.

The Kraken has a Nutriscore rating of ‘A’, high in protein, fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. While it is available ready-to-eat, it can also be grilled, fried or baked.

Revo said it chose mycoprotein due to its need for significantly less processing compared to common raw ingredients in plant-based alternative products, which preserves more micronutrients and vitamins, and achieves a desirable texture and mouthfeel thanks to its fibrous nature.

The alternative seafood market is experiencing rapid growth in both the plant-based and cell-based markets, evidenced by the launch of the category’s first trade association – Future Ocean Foods – launching last year. Revo Foods is one of the association’s 36 members, having already made waves in the space with the launch of its 3D-printed salmon fillet, thought to be the first 3D-printed food product to hit supermarket shelves.

While this rapid growth is accelerating the variety of innovations available, Revo believes there is still a lack of realistic alternatives for ‘whole-cut’ style products.

Robin Simsa, CEO at Revo Foods, said: “With a little bit of creativity and technological know-how – and an obsession for seafood – anything is possible. If we continue like this, we can soon offer an entire plant-based seafood paella!”

Each pack of The Kraken contains three 35g pieces of the ‘tentacle’ base and will be available from today exclusively in the Revo online shop, delivering to most European countries.