Plant‐Based Fish Analogues: Advances in Formulation, Processing, Nutrition, and Market Dynamics

ABSTRACT Plant‐based fish (PBF) analogues are an emerging segment of the alternative protein market driven by demand for healthy, sustainable, and ethical foods. This review evaluates recent scientific literature (primarily from 2020 to 2025) and industry reports, sourced from databases including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, alongside key industry reports to clarify current knowledge, methodological gaps, and strategic priorities. Studies show a market shaped by three core challenges: a nutritional trade‐off, where the absence of contaminants like mercury is counterbalanced by inconsistent fortification and lower protein quality (e.g., incomplete amino acid profiles and lower digestibility scores); a persistent sensory fidelity gap—the disparity in texture, flavor, and mouthfeel compared to whole‐muscle fish—particularly in replicating complex textures; and a significant scalability and cost barrier that confines products to a premium niche, limiting their environmental impact. Foundational ingredients are dominated by soy and pea proteins, whose cost‐effectiveness is counterbalanced by sensory flaws that necessitate investment in downstream processing technologies. Emerging proteins such as mycoprotein and algae offer superior intrinsic functionality but face their own hurdles in cost and scalability. Processing is bifurcated, with high‐moisture extrusion serving the mass market for processed analogues, while 3D printing creates a new premium category for high‐fidelity whole‐cut products. Market data show recent contraction in key Western markets, contrasting sharply with optimistic long‐term forecasts and signaling a market shift from novelty‐driven growth to a phase demanding demonstrable value in taste, nutrition, and price. Cross‐cultural consumer analysis further underscores the need for localized product development strategies. Future success hinges on bridging the nutritional gap through standardized fortification, advanced processing, and cost parity attainment for mass‐market adoption.