A review of the alternative protein industry

This review looks at the field of alternative proteins and, in particular, the challenges for those products seeking to attract consumers away from animal-based products. Improving the sustainability of our food systems is a major driver for companies in this field with claims around lower land and water utilization, reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions, and improvements in biodiversity. Developing alternative protein products with good nutritional profiles will rely on supplementation with minerals and vitamins and the use of proteins with high-quality amino acid profiles and good bioavailability. ● The alternative protein market is rapidly expanding and attracting investments. ● Cost and nutritional quality of the alternative products require further improvement. ● Recent innovations such as precision fermentation face major technical hurdles.