Potential Alternatives of Animal Proteins for Sustainability in the Food Sector

TLDR

The growing global population makes it impossible to meet animal protein demand solely with conventional methods, necessitating a holistic approach that utilizes all suitable options. This review critically examines plant‑based meat analogs, in‑vitro meat, edible insects, and single‑cell proteins, and underscores the need for uniform global regulations across the food supply chain. The authors evaluate the technological, sustainability, nutritional, regulatory, and food‑safety aspects of these alternatives to assess their viability for future food security. Although in‑vitro meat faces supply‑chain challenges and edible insects encounter acceptance and safety concerns, together these alternatives—alongside conventional meat—can satisfy the demand for high‑quality protein in the near future.

Abstract

With the ever-increasing global population, it is impossible to meet the demand for animal protein by relying only on conventional methods due to the depleting natural resources. It is very challenging to ensure a sustainable supply of animal proteins from a single source or form and requires a holistic approach by using all suitable options. The present review critically reviewed various technological, sustainability, nutritional value, regulatory framework, food safety challenge, and prospect aspects of plant-based meat analogs, in vitro meat, edible insect, and single-cell proteins as suitable candidates for future food security and supply of animal protein in a sustainable way. For in vitro meat, the technological challenge in the supply of raw inputs, large-size bioreactors, and scale-up remains a major issue. Although having a lower environmental impact, the acceptance of edible insects to more comprehensive sections and associated food safety risks remains a major concern. There is a need for uniform and proper regulations of these alternatives/novel foods across the globe, covering various aspects throughout the food supply chain. Plant-based meat analogs, in vitro meat, insects, and single-cell proteins along with conventional meat can meet the demand for high-quality protein in the near future.