Fuji Oil has launched a new product in its plant-based dashi “MIRA-Dashi” series that achieves a shrimp-like flavor without using animal-derived ingredients or flavorings.
The shrimp type, launched in April under the product name “MIRA-Dashi C700,” features a clean roasted aroma without any fishy odor, along with a rich, deep flavor reminiscent of shrimp shells and shrimp tomalley. It can also be used as an ingredient to enhance the multilayered umami and lingering finish required in high-end dishes using lobster and similar ingredients.
In recent years, dishes with rich shrimp flavors and ethnic cuisine that makes extensive use of crustaceans have grown in popularity in the foodservice, prepared-food, and processed-food markets. At the same time, concerns are rising that supplies of crustaceans such as shrimp and crab may be affected by factors including rising seawater temperatures and labor shortages, increasing the risk of price fluctuations.
The shrimp type of “MIRA-Dashi” is an ingredient designed to meet these needs. By formulating it entirely from plant-based ingredients, it achieves both stable raw-material supply and flavor quality, and “can be used broadly, from flavor development for processed foods and high-value-added menu items to products free from crustacean allergens,” the company said.
The product is available in 5-kilogram pillow packaging. “Paste Plant-Based Dashi (Shrimp Type),” in 250-gram pouch packaging that is easy for restaurants and other foodservice establishments to use, is also available. It can be used broadly in pasta, ramen, various soups, ethnic dishes, confectionery, and processed foods, providing the richness and roasted aroma characteristic of crustaceans—including crab as well as shrimp—to suit diverse food occasions.
“MIRACORE,” a technology brand created through the fusion of plant-based oil and protein technologies, delivers the satisfaction and flavors characteristic of animal-derived foods using plant-based ingredients. In addition to the new shrimp type, the plant-based dashi “MIRA-Dashi” series using this technology includes chicken, beef, paitan, bonito, and shellfish types.
Through the “MIRA-Dashi” series, Fuji Oil will broaden the possibilities for flavor expression using plant-based ingredients, contribute to solving challenges related to raw-material supply and quality, and continue proposing sustainable and appealing food options.
