Whole Foods features first vegan raw tuna

Whole Foods Market said it is using the first plant-based alternative to raw tuna in select stores’ sushi cases.

Ahimi, created by Ocean Hugger Foods, is made from tomatoes along with “savory, umami-rich ingredients to replicate the taste and texture of ahi tuna,” Whole Foods said in a statement.

“A tasty, vegan option for raw tuna is at the intersection of a few major trends, including the growing popularity of sushi, as well as the surge in plant-based diets and dishes,” said Andy Sasser, global category manager at Whole Foods. “We love when we can bring shoppers something delicious that’s never been done before, and Ahimi does just that.”

Chef James Corwell formed Ocean Hugger Foods after seeing two football-field sized warehouses full of tuna sold at the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo in one morning.

“How can the oceans ever keep up?” Corwell asked, according to Ocean Hugger’s website.

Ahimi will be available at select in-store sushi venues in Los Angeles and New York beginning starting 1 November. It will be featured in two dishes: the Ahimi Nigiri and Roll Combo, and Ahimi California Roll.