Nestlé Launches Vegan Shrimp and Eggs, Called 'Vrimp' and 'vEEGie'

Nestlé has been taking steps toward a more sustainable future, including working to reduce food waste and making its packaging more eco-friendly. It has also committed to being net-zero by 2050. Now, it's expanding its portfolio to include plant-based alternatives that do the planet good.

In a recent press release, Nestlé announced it's launching two new products: vegan eggs (called vEEGie) and vegan shrimp (called Vrimp). According to the company, vEEGie is a "nutritious, tasty alternative to conventional eggs that is both sustainable and animal-friendly." It even contains omega-3 fatty acids. You can cook it like real eggs, or use it when baking.

As for the Vrimp, the product is made from a combination of seaweed, peas, and konjac root, making it a good source of fiber. It's said to have the same texture and flavor as shrimp, so you can use it in everything from salads and poke bowls to creamy pasta dishes, like Alfredo.

"Our new plant-based shrimp and egg alternatives have an authentic texture and flavor, as well as a favorable nutritional profile which makes them a good replacement for animal-based shrimp and eggs in a wide range of dishes," said Stefan Palzer, Nestlé's chief technology officer. "Our longstanding expertise in plant, protein, and nutritional sciences enabled our teams to develop these great innovations in under a year. As we speak, our R&D teams are already preparing the next wave of plant-based launches."

Right now, both products are being introduced as a "test-and-learn" in stores in Switzerland and Germany. Hopefully, they make their way to the United States soon. Considering a single egg requires around 50 gallons to produce, and shrimp farms are known for polluting groundwater, having plant-based alternatives readily available could be a major win for the planet.