Whole Foods Market has been going through a lot of changes as of late, and one of our favorites is the addition of a brand new vegan tuna sushi roll that will debut in Los Angeles and New York City locations this October. Not only is the six-ingredient “tuna” totally safe for pregnant women to eat, but it’s free from all the mercury and other toxic chemicals sometimes found in authentic tuna fish.

The new “Ahimi” tuna is produced by the vegan seafood specialists Ocean Hugger Foods, whose mission is to offer healthy, delicious, and sustainable plant-based alternatives to all of your favorite seafood dishes.

“It’s a dead ringer for Ahi Tuna sashimi. It cuts into glistening slivers that are firm and juicy, and it’s got a savory bite,” wrote NPR.

Ocean Hugger Foods

Created by one of America’s top chefs, certified Master Chef James Corwell, the idea for the plant-based “fish” first came to Corwell when he was at the Tsukji fish market in Tokyo, Japan. Corwell witnessed the two massive warehouses brimming with tuna fish that were being sold and wondered how the oceans could keep up with the demand.

As it happens, the oceans cannot; 90 percent of all large predatory fish, such as tuna, are already gone, and the rate of fishing is only increasing, according to a study published in the journal Nature.

You can pick up Ahimi from a participating Whole Foods store, or at any of the Fresh & Co locations in NYC found here. It stays fresh for two to three days after purchase.

How to Make Your Own Vegan Sushi

If you’re interested in making your own vegan sushi, our Food Monster App is brimming with different fun recipes for you to try. Check out some of our favorites below.

These gluten-free Ahi Sushi Cups by Nathalie Sader will allow you to experiment with tomato as tuna in your kitchen too!

This Sweet Mock Eel Nigiri by Rekka Bell looks so much like the traditional thing, but it is 100 percent plant-based!

Vegan eel? It can be done! This dish calls for chickpea-based Burmese tofu in a caramelly, sweet sauce that is typically served over eel kabayaki. Pair it with some black rice for the perfect Japanese dish.

If you are interested in making a tartare, this Watermelon Tartare by Azucena Noriega is fresh and unique.

This refreshing watermelon tartare is perfect for hot summer days, especially as a snack or party appetizer. The combination of flavors completely transforms the watermelon. The citrus juice combined with sesame seeds and soy sauce or tamari gives it a delicious umami flavor that’s unforgettable.

Remember, there are a bounty of different vegan sushi rolls out there for you to try. We suggest watching this video on How to Make Vegan Sushi Rolls and checking out this guide on How to Reinvent Your Sushi, Vegan Style.

We also highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 8,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to ten new recipes per day. Check it out!

Lead image source: Ocean Hugger Foods