New Wave Foods sells a plant-based shrimp alternative made from sustainable ingredients like algae and plant proteins. Conventional seafood-substitute products fail to replicate the texture and flavor of shrimp. Since shrimp get part of their color and flavor from the algae they eat, the company combined algae with other plant proteins, sugar, salt and other flavorings to create a product that mimics the taste, texture and color. The nutritional value of New Wave Foods shrimp may be better then conventional because they are not farmed with hormones and they have no cholesterol. The shrimp shape is achieved by placing the edible composition into molds.

New Wave Foods uses hydrocolloid materials for gelling and thickening. Hydrocolloids are long chain polymers of polysaccharides and proteins that are used in many food formulations for thickening and gelling. One hydrocolloid used by New Wave Foods, sodium alginate is extracted from the cell walls of brown algae and is used in artificial caviar. The composition also includes red algae and soy protein. Other plant protein sources are being tested. They are also working with lycopene, paprika and beta-caroten for adding color.

New Wave Foods Shrimp can be used with culinary techniques normally used for cooking and preparing shrimp. Their shrimp do not change color when you cook them, like regular shrimp, but they are working on incorporating that technology into their shrimp. These plant-based shrimp are vegan, kosher and suitable for people with allergies to shellfish. New Wave Foods Shrimp also provide an alternative for consumers concerned about environmental impacts and working conditions in the shrimp farming industry. Dishes that feature New Wave Foods shrimp are available at Montery Bay Aquarium, Orchard Grocer, New York, Calafia Cafe, Palo Alto, California and by food delivery from Veestro

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