We are so excited for the launch of AKUA's new Krab Cakes, which will help to benefit the planet, marine life, and our health! This brand is on a mission to popularize what they call 'sustainable seagreens,' and they've done a marvelous job so far through their delicious range of ocean-friendly plant-based products and vegan seafood.

Last year, they launched plant-based burgers called the 'Kelp Burger,' made with kelp, olive oil, mushrooms, pea protein, black beans, and other planet-friendly ingredients. Their range also includes Kelp Burger Ground Meat and Kelp Jerky (Rosemary & Maple Barbecue, Spicy Chili & Lime, and Hibachi Teriyaki). However, their Krab Cakes are now all set to launch on July 20th 2022!

Benefits of Kelp-Based Products

Did you know kelp could actually help to reverse climate change? This miraculous plant has the ability to sequester carbon dioxide, meaning regenerative kelp farms could potentially remove billions of metric tons of carbon dioxide from our atmosphere. In addition, regenerative ocean farming can help to create new jobs for coastal communities.

Over the past year, AKUA was able to sell over 120,000 kelp burgers, which removed 300 tons of carbon from the oceans. Incredible!

In hopes to make even better use of this crop's environmental impact, this Brooklyn-based company is about to launch the most sustainable vegan 'crab' cakes ever! Their kelp comes from New England-based regenerative ocean farming, and is combined with other natural vegan ingredients in order to create savory plant-based meat substitutes even meat eaters can enjoy!

Not only are kelp based meat alternatives amazing for the oceans and our planet, they're also incredibly nutritious and a great source of protein. Each kelp crab cake offers 11 grams of protein, 10% of your daily iron needs, 3g of fiber, and good amounts of iodine, vitamin A, B6, K, zinc, folate, iron, potassium and calcium!

What Are Krab Cakes Made Of?

Wondering what goes into this kelp-based vegan Krab Cake? AKUA uses kelp as the first ingredient, along with cannellini beans, pea protein, olive oil, artichoke, dijon mustard, potato starch, and plenty of seasonings that take its sea-forward flavor to the next level! It's also entirely gluten-free, breaded with quinoa instead of wheat.

We also love that it's made with ZERO harmful chemicals, fillers, or artificial flavors, making it the perfect fit for your healthy whole foods diet.

How To Prepare Your Sustainable Krab Cakes

AKUA encourages you to enjoy your lemony, peppery Krab Cakes with vegan tartar sauce, spicy vegan mayo, or remoulade. Have them as a protein-filled snack, or as a salad topper!

To whip up a quick Krab Cake snack, go ahead and place your frozen patty on a hot pan with a touch of oil. Then, cook it on each side for 3-4 minutes until browned. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy! Learn more about this yummy and easy-to-prepare meat alternative below.

Q&A with Courtney Boyd Myers, Founder of AKUA

We had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Courtney Boyd Myers, founder of AKUA, who is mostly vegan herself. She shared her thoughts on the launch, her passion for sea veggies, and helped clear up a few details about this cool new product! Check it out!

OV: Thanks for speaking with us! Firstly, we'd love to know what inspired the decision to create a crab cake substitute.

CBM: We are lucky to work with a Master Chef, who is one of the world's most sought-after crab cake connoisseurs, on our product development, and so creating a plant-based alternative with kelp was a natural next step for AKUA!

OV: We noticed AKUA products are all gluten-free. Will this be true of the Krab Cakes, too?

CBM: 100% yes! We use quinoa on the outside of our Krab Cakes instead of bread.

OV: A lot of vegans are concerned about their iodine intake. Are your new Krab Cakes a good source of iodine? What amount would we find in each serving?

CBM: Yes! Kelp is an excellent natural source of iodine. Each Krab Cake has approximately 100mg of iodine.

OV: When can we expect to see the new Krab Cakes in retail stores? Will they be available at any restaurants?

CBM: We are aiming to launch in select restaurants in the New England area by late summer and we hope to be on grocery store shelves by October!

OV: We noticed you shared on your page that the Kelp Burger does not taste fishy, but apparently the Krab Cakes do have a 'sea-forward flavor’ because of the kelp. How's this?

CBM: In addition to ocean-farmed kelp from Maine, we are using a new source of kelp concentrate from ocean farms in the UK to add an extra punch of sea-forward flavor.

OV: What made you decide to eat less animal products?

CBM: To be honest, I just never liked eating animals because it reminded me of eating my own flesh. I used to have to drown any meat served to me in ketchup as a little kid to not be rude to whomever served it to me. So becoming mostly plant-based for both health and environmental reasons was very easy for me!

Are you hyped to try AKUA's new Krab Cakes? Let us know in the comments below!