Revo Foods revives 'The Kraken', a hyper-realistic vegan octopus that divides opinions

Vienna-based food-tech company, Revo Foods, is bringing back one of its boldest culinary experiments: The Kraken – Inspired by Octopus, the world’s first octopus tentacle crafted entirely from mycoprotein. Following overwhelming demand, the company has announced the product’s official return this month across its online shop and several European retailers.

Originally launched in March 2024 as a limited edition, The Kraken was designed as a visual and textural mimicry of octopus tentacles, complete with visible suckers and a chewy bite. The company initially saw the concept as too niche for widespread release, but the first batch sold out in under 48 hours, prompting waves of inquiries from customers, chefs, and retailers eager for its comeback.

“The Kraken is visually iconic — a truly creative product that brings a new angle to plant-based foods. The Kraken doesn’t take itself too serious – a perfect product to spark debate at a family dinner,” commented tNiccolo Galizzi, Head of Food Tech at Revo Foods.

Yet the return of The Kraken has reignited debate over just how far plant-based innovation should go. Some consumers celebrate the product as a welcome alternative to seafood, while others express discomfort with its hyper-realistic appearance. Reactions on social media have ranged from enthusiasm to squeamishness, with comments such as, 'This is too realistic for me', or, 'Gross! But I am glad it exists', countered by others declaring, 'I need this in my stomach right now', or, 'The tentacles look like pure pleasure'.

The question of whether vegan products should closely mimic the look of animal-based foods remains a hot topic. For Revo Foods, however, the controversy is part of the point. “The Kraken is here to capture our imagination, but also to spark debate. Why does a vegan alternative to Octopus bring such controversy, while the farming of highly-intelligent Octopus does not? The Kraken is super tasty, but also meant to be playful and start a debate about the perception of alternative protein products,” added Dr Robin Simsa, CEO of Revo Foods.

Beyond the product’s provocative appearance, The Kraken touches on broader ethical questions about octopus consumption. More than 200,000 tons of octopus are consumed annually in the European Union. However, public sentiment has begun shifting as documentaries like My Octopus Teacher shine a light on the intelligence and sensitivity of these animals. Recent discussions around proposed bans on octopus farming, such as those underway in California, further fuel the conversation.

At the core of The Kraken is mycoprotein, a protein-rich ingredient derived from naturally fermented mushroom mycelium. It offers a fibrous texture and complete amino acid profile, alongside high bioavailability. Revo Foods has enriched The Kraken with omega-3 fatty acids sourced from microalgae oil, giving it nutritional benefits that include high fiber content and a Nutriscore rating of “A.” The product’s design deliberately mirrors the tentacles of an octopus, contributing to its striking – and polarizing – presence on the plate.

Revo Foods produces The Kraken at its Vienna facility, known as The Taste Factory. The company says the product can be enjoyed raw in salads, though its full flavor emerges best when cooked and used in dishes reminiscent of traditional pulpo preparations.

While plant-based burgers, nuggets, and sausages have become commonplace, The Kraken stands out for pushing boundaries both visually and conceptually. It raises questions about the role of realism in alternative proteins and invites consumers to consider not just taste and texture, but also ethics and perception.

As The Kraken returns to market, it will be available through Revo Foods’ webshop across Europe, as well as through online platforms like BILLA Online, Pflanzilla, and Gurkerl.at in Austria, and Knuspr.de and Kokku Vegan Market in Germany.

Whether it becomes a culinary curiosity or a permanent staple in plant-based seafood remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: The Kraken has made a splash, ensuring that the conversation around sustainable seafood alternatives will continue for some time.