Advances in the Utilization of Plant-based Alternative Protein

Abstract

For future foods, people are caring more and more about their health promoting properties and environmental friendliness. In this background, the plant-based foods, represented by ‘plant-based meat’, have attracted lots of attention worldwide. As the major source material of ‘plant-based meat’ production, the utilization of plant-based alternative protein has important influence on both the upstream and downstream food industry. In this paper, we firstly introduced the current application of plant-based alternative protein in producing ‘plant-based meat’, demonstrating the need for exploring new resources of plant-based protein. Secondly, we summarized the preparation and manufacturing technologies of plant-based alternative proteins, emphasizing the research progress in reconstitution of plant protein into fibrous structure using high moisture extrusion and its underlying mechanism, and 3D printing of protein-based material. Lastly, we summarized the challenges and opportunities in the efficient utilization of plant-based alternative protein, providing references for the development of plant-based foods in the future.