Pea as a key ingredient in plant-based meat analogs: a comprehensive treatise

The need for plant-based meat analogs (PBMAs) is warranted to reduce meat consumption and also to cater to the demands of pro-vegetarian or vegan populations who are looking for new products of choice. Moreover, the increasing population excessively depending on animal products for food is unsustainable and also will burden the planet with excess demands of arable land, fodder, and water resources. Attempts are underway to develop a range of PBMAs using plant protein sources, and pea is one of the popular legumes of choice. This review provides an overview of plant legumes with special reference to peas as ingredients of PBMA with reference to its nutritional value, textural advantages, health benefits, and the processing technologies involved in its production.