Emerging alternative food protein sources: production process, quality parameters, and safety point of view

• Published in: Critical reviews in biotechnology 2025-01, Vol.45 (1), p.1-22
• Main Authors: Khanashyam, Anandu Chandra, Mundanat, Anjaly Shanker, Sajith Babu, Karthik, Thorakkattu, Priyamvada, Krishnan, Reshma, Abdullah, Sajeeb, Bekhit, Alaa El-Din A, McClements, David Julian, Santivarangkna, Chalat, Nirmal, Nilesh Prakash
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: allergenicity; Animals; biotechnology; dietary protein; Dietary Proteins - metabolism; digestibility; ethics; Food Safety; freshwater; Humans; insects; livestock; meat; protein composition
• ISSN: 0738-8551; 1549-7801; 1549-7801
• DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2024.2341902

The rise in the global population has increased the demand for dietary food protein. Strategies to maximize agricultural and livestock outputs could strain land and freshwater supply and contribute to substantial negative environmental impacts. Consequently, there has been an emphasis on identifying alternative sources of edible proteins that are more sustainable, sustainable, ethical, and healthy. This review provides a critical report on future food protein sources including: plant, cultured meat, insect, and microbial, as alternative sources to traditional animal-based sources. The technical challenges associated with the production process of alternative protein sources are discussed. The most important quality parameters of alternative proteins, such as: protein composition and digestibility, allergenicity, functional and sensory attributes, and safety regulations have been documented. Lastly, future direction and conclusion have been made on future protein trends. However, further regulatory norms need to develop for safe consumption and distribution around the world.