Alternative proteins in the human diet: Meta-Analytical analyses from 2014 to 2024

Authors
Keywords:
Cultural barriers, Food sustainability, Nutritional efficiency, Circular economy, Agro-industrial innovations
Abstract

This work details the evolution of the use of alternative proteins in human diets, based on a meta-analytical review from 2014 to 2024, highlighting technological advances, cultural challenges, and environmental impacts. Plant-based proteins lead in accessibility, reflecting cultural familiarity, affordability, and sustainability. Microalgae and fungi have also progressed, offering healthy nutritional benefits despite higher costs. Insects have been gaining ground, especially in Asia and Africa, but face resistance in the West. Agro-industrial residues are emerging as a sustainable option, standing out in the context of the circular economy. Globally, microalgae lead in nutritional benefits, while plants and seafood stand out for health and accessibility. Environmental impacts vary plants and insects have low emission levels, while microalgae and seafood face challenges due to high production costs. Nutritional efficiency is highest in plants and microalgae, while insects and agro-industrial residues show potential in specific niches. The alternative protein market is growing, driven by an increase in companies and patents, particularly in Asia and Europe. Despite regional disparities, the trends reflect a shift toward more sustainable and alternative diets. To consolidate these sources, public policies, technological innovations, and food education strategies are essential. Thus, alternative proteins can increasingly become viable in addressing global food security and sustainability challenges.

Author Biographies
  1. Paloma Danielle Brito Siqueira , Federal University of Minas Gerais

    Graduated in Food Engineering from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a volunteer research fellow, developing research on the "Development and Evaluation of a Prototype of a Solar Dehydrator for Food". She has a solid academic background in food engineering and is interested in applying her knowledge in different professional contexts and continuing her technical and academic development.

  2. Demerson Arruda Sanglard, Federal University of Minas Gerais

    Holds a Bachelor's degree in Agronomic Engineering (2005), a Master's degree (2006), and a Doctorate (2010) in Genetics and Plant Breeding from the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV). Since 2013, he has been a Professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), based at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences (ICA) - Montes Claros Campus, where he works in the Postgraduate Programs in "Plant Production," "Animal Production," and "Forest Sciences." He received an administrative appointment as Coordinator of the Biotechnology Laboratory (ICA/UFMG). He has also had several academic projects approved with funding (Teaching, Research, and Extension).

  3. Sidney Pereira, Federal University of Minas Gerais

    Graduated in Agricultural Engineering from the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV-MG) in 1999. Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Energy area (UFV, 2001). PhD in Agronomy, Soil and Water area, from the Federal University of Goiás (UFG-GO) in 2010. Works as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Montes Claros Campus (ICA/UFMG). At this institution, he teaches the following subjects: Soil Mechanics, Electrotechnics and Electrical Installations, Introduction to Electronics and Embedded Systems, Automation and Control applied to Agricultural Sciences, and MS Excel, in addition to developing various research and extension projects.

  4. Maria Fernanda Lousada Antunes, Federal University of Minas Gerais

    Adjunct Professor at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences of the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Coordinator of the Extension Center of ICA UFMG. Researcher in FEM Numerical Simulation, Acoustic Emission, Data Science and Science Education. Producer of Engineering Education content. Writer. PhD in Mechanical Engineering from PUC-MG. Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of São João del Rei, MBA in Strategic Business Management from the Newton Paiva University Center and Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Viçosa.

  5. Leonardo Máximo Silva, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)

    Holds a degree in Agronomic Engineering (2019) from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Master's degree in Forest Sciences from the same institution (2022). Currently a doctoral candidate in Plant Production at UFMG, with an emphasis on "Carbon balance in integrated crop-livestock production systems". During his undergraduate studies, he was a recipient of a scientific initiation scholarship (PIBIC) from 2018 to 2019. During his undergraduate studies, he worked on projects with safflower, beans, and forage palm. He was part of the student group that conducted the experimental area of ​​BIOFABRICA at ICA-UFMG, focusing on the improvement, management, and control of diseases and pests in forage palm cultivation. During his master's studies, he worked on experiments with in vitro cultivation of native forest species. He worked as a temporary researcher at UFMG on projects to recover degraded areas in 2022 and 2023. He is currently the vice-coordinator of the study group in Science and Technology in Forestry (SILVITECH-UFMG) and a member of the study group on integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems (GESILPF-UFMG).

  6. Ariane da Silva Nogueira, Federal University of Minas Gerais

    Holds a degree in Forestry Engineering (2022) and a Master's degree in Plant Production (2024) from the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Has experience in the field of Forestry Engineering, with an emphasis on Silviculture, mainly working on the following topics: propagation of native species, seed pathology, and seed technology.

  7. Ana Carolina Ataíde Silveira, Federal University of Minas Gerais

    She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biomedicine from Faculdade Unidas do Norte de Minas - FUNORTE (2016) and a Specialization in Higher Education Teaching: The university in the current context, from FAVENORTE. She also obtained her Academic Master's degree in Food and Health from the Federal University of Minas Gerais.

  8. Brenda Franciny Torres, Federal University of Minas Gerais

    Holds a Bachelor's degree in Forestry Engineering from the Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (2024). Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Forest Sciences at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Has experience in marker-assisted selection and forest breeding.

  9. Flávia Echila Ribeiro Batista, Federal University of Minas Gerais

    PhD candidate in Biotechnology at the State University of Montes Claros, holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Northern Minas Gerais (2017) and a Master's degree in Biotechnology from the State University of Montes Claros (2020). Currently works as a Laboratory Technician at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Has experience in the field of Chemical Engineering, with emphasis on Biotechnological Industrial Processes, Molecular Biology and Plant Tissue Culture.

References

Abergel, E. (2024). Making and Eating Meat in/for/Against the Anthropocene. In Dead Meat (pp. 125-164). Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-9049-4_5

Akinmeye, F., Chriki, S., Liu, C., Zhao, J., & Ghnimi, S. (2024). What factors influence consumer attitudes towards alternative proteins? Food and Humanity, 3, 100349.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foohum.2024.100349

Amara, A. A., & El-Baky, N. A. (2023). Fungi as a source of edible proteins and animal feed. Journal of Fungi, 9(1), 73. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9010073

Amorim, M. L., Soares, J., Coimbra, J. S. D. R., Leite, M. D. O., Albino, L. F. T., & Martins, M. A. (2021). Microalgae proteins: Production, separation, isolation, quantification, and application in food and feed. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 61(12), 1976-2002. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2020.1768046

Antoniak, M. A., Szymkowiak, A., & Pepliński, B. (2022). The source of protein or its value? Consumer perception regarding the importance of meat (-like) product attributes. Applied Sciences, 12(9), 4128. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12094128

Aschemann-Witzel, J., Gantriis, R. F., Fraga, P., & Perez-Cueto, F. J. (2021). Plant-based food and protein trend from a business perspective: Markets, consumers, and the challenges and opportunities in the future. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 61(18), 3119-3128. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2020.1793730

Atif, S. (2023). Mapping circular economy principles and servitisation approach in business model canvas: an integrated literature review. Future Business Journal, 9(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43093-023-00211-6

Bajić, B., Vučurović, D., Vasić, Đ., Jevtić-Mučibabić, R., & Dodić, S. (2022). Biotechnological production of sustainable microbial proteins from agro-industrial residues and by-products. Foods, 12(1), 107. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12010107

Barzee, T. J., Cao, L., Pan, Z., & Zhang, R. (2021). Fungi for future foods. Journal of Future Foods, 1(1), 25-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfutfo.2021.09.002

Bedsaul-Fryer, J. R., Monroy-Gomez, J., van Zutphen-Küffer, K. G., & Kraemer, K. (2023). An introduction to traditional and novel alternative proteins for low-and middle-income countries. Current Developments in Nutrition, 8(Suppl 1), 102014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.102014

Belhadj Slimen, I., Yerou, H., Ben Larbi, M., M’Hamdi, N., & Najar, T. (2023). Insects as an alternative protein source for poultry nutrition: a review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1200031. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1200031

Berners-Lee, M., Kennelly, C., Watson, R., & Hewitt, C. N. (2018). Current global food production is sufficient to meet human nutritional needs in 2050 provided there is radical societal adaptation. Elem Sci Anth, 6, 52. https://doi.org/10.1525/elementa.310

Bohnes, F. A., & Laurent, A. (2021). Environmental impacts of existing and future aquaculture production: comparison of technologies and feed options in Singapore. Aquaculture, 532, 736001. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2020.736001

Chong, P. H., Tan, J. H., & Troop, J. (2022). Microalgae as a Source of Sustainability. In Microalgae for Environmental Biotechnology (pp. 1-66). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003202196-1

Cruz, C. D. (2016). Programa Genes-Ampliado e integrado aos aplicativos R, Matlab e Selegen. Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy, 38, 547-552. https://doi.org/10.4025/actasciagron.v38i3.32629

Dhaliwal, S. S., Sharma, V., Shukla, A. K., Verma, V., Kaur, M., Shivay, Y. S., ... & Hossain, A. (2022). Biofortification—A frontier novel approach to enrich micronutrients in field crops to encounter the nutritional security. Molecules, 27(4), 1340. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27041340

Derbyshire, E. J., & Delange, J. (2021). Fungal protein–what is it and what is the health evidence? A systematic review focusing on mycoprotein. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 5, 581682. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2021.581682

Detzel, A., Krüger, M., Busch, M., Blanco‐Gutiérrez, I., Varela, C., Manners, R., ... & Zannini, E. (2022). Life cycle assessment of animal‐based foods and plant‐based protein‐rich alternatives: an environmental perspective. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 102(12), 5098-5110. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.11417z

Diaz, C. J., Douglas, K. J., Kang, K., Kolarik, A. L., Malinovski, R., Torres-Tiji, Y., ... & Mayfield, S. P. (2023). Developing algae as a sustainable food source. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, 1029841. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.1029841

Dossa, K. F., & Miassi, Y. E. (2024). Plant Proteins Availability in Europe and Asia: A Causality Analysis of Climate, Demographics, and Economic Factors. Rural and Regional Development, 2(1), 10002. https://doi.org/10.54646/rrd.10002

Feld, K. (2023). The Role of Climate Movement Organizations and Consciousness Raising in a Plant-Based Food System Transition (Master's thesis, Northern Arizona University).

Finnigan, T., Mach, K., & Edlin, A. (2024). Mycoprotein: a healthy new protein with a low environmental impact. In Sustainable protein sources (pp. 539-566). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-323-91652-3.00011-3

Freitas, L. C., Barbosa, J. R., da Costa, A. L. C., Bezerra, F. W. F., Pinto, R. H. H., & de Carvalho Junior, R. N. (2021). From waste to sustainable industry: How can agro-industrial wastes help in the development of new products? Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 169, 105466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.105466

Gil, M., Rudy, M., Duma-Kocan, P., Stanisławczyk, R., Krajewska, A., Dziki, D., & Hassoon, W. H. (2024). Sustainability of Alternatives to Animal Protein Sources, a Comprehensive Review. Sustainability, 16(17), 7701. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177701

Grossmann, L., & Weiss, J. (2021). Alternative protein sources as technofunctional food ingredients. Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, 12(1), 93-117. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-food-062520-093642

Guyony, V., Fayolle, F., & Jury, V. (2023). High moisture extrusion of vegetable proteins for making fibrous meat analogs: A review. Food Reviews International, 39(7), 4262-4287. https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129.2021.2023816

Hadidi, M., Aghababaei, F., Gonzalez-Serrano, D. J., Goksen, G., Trif, M., McClements, D. J., & Moreno, A. (2024). Plant-based proteins from agro-industrial waste and by-products: Towards a more circular economy. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 129576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129576

Helliwell, R., Bjørnerud, E., & Nerby, T. (2024). Cultured meat and responsible research when the future is an illusion for financial speculation. In EurSafe2024 Proceedings (pp. 93-98). Wageningen Academic. https://doi.org/10.3920/978-90-8686-947-3_14

Henchion, M., Moloney, A. P., Hyland, J., Zimmermann, J., & McCarthy, S. (2021). Trends for meat, milk and egg consumption for the next decades and the role played by livestock systems in the global production of proteins. Animal, 15, 100287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2021.100287

Issifu, I., Deffor, E. W., Deyshappriya, N. P. R., Dahmouni, I., & Sumaila, U. R. (2022). Drivers of seafood consumption at different geographical scales. Journal of Sustainability Research, 4(3). https://doi.org/10.20900/jsr20220017

Jain, I., Kaur, R., Kumar, A., Paul, M., & Singh, N. (2024). Emerging protein sources and novel extraction techniques: a systematic review on sustainable approaches. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 59(10), 6797-6820. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.17466

Kennedy, E. J. (2024). Sustainable Labor Rights. Berkeley J. Emp. & Lab. L., 45, 55. https://doi.org/10.15779/Z38K649R0F

Khoshnevisan, B., He, L., Xu, M., Valverde-Pérez, B., Sillman, J., Mitraka, G. C., ... & Angelidaki, I. (2022). From renewable energy to sustainable protein sources: Advancement, challenges, and future roadmaps. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 157, 112041. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2021.112041

Kim, D., Caputo, V., & Kilders, V. (2023). Consumer preferences and demand for conventional seafood and seafood alternatives: Do ingredient information and processing stage matter? Food Quality and Preference, 108, 104872. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2023.104872

Koukoulithras Sr, I., Stamouli, A., Kolokotsios, S., Plexousakis Sr, M., & Mavrogiannopoulou, C. (2021). The effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions upon pregnancy-related low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cureus, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.13011

Kröger, T., Dupont, J., Büsing, L., & Fiebelkorn, F. (2022). Acceptance of insect-based food products in western societies: a systematic review. Frontiers in nutrition, 8, 759885. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.759885

Kurek, M. A., Onopiuk, A., Pogorzelska-Nowicka, E., Szpicer, A., Zalewska, M., & Półtorak, A. (2022). Novel protein sources for applications in meat-alternative products—Insight and challenges. Foods, 11(7), 957. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11070957

Kumar, P., Mehta, N., Abubakar, A. A., Verma, A. K., Kaka, U., Sharma, N., ... & Lorenzo, J. M. (2023). Potential alternatives of animal proteins for sustainability in the food sector. Food Reviews International, 39(8), 5703-5728. https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129.2022.2094403

Lähteenmäki-Uutela, A., Rahikainen, M., Lonkila, A., & Yang, B. (2021). Alternative proteins and EU food law. Food Control, 130, 108336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108336

Lima, M., Costa, R., Rodrigues, I., Lameiras, J., & Botelho, G. (2022). A narrative review of alternative protein sources: highlights on meat, fish, egg and dairy analogues. Foods, 11(14), 2053. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11142053

Liang, Y., & Lee, D. (2022). Recent progress of cultivated meat in Asia. Food Materials Research, 2(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.48130/FMR-2022-0012

Lucakova, S., Branyikova, I., & Hayes, M. (2022). Microalgal proteins and bioactives for food, feed, and other applications. Applied Sciences, 12(9), 4402. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12094402

Małecki, J., Muszyński, S., & Sołowiej, B. G. (2021). Proteins in food systems-bionanomaterials, conventional and unconventional sources, functional properties, and development opportunities. Polymers, 13(15), 2506. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13152506

Malila, Y., Owolabi, I. O., Chotanaphuti, T., Sakdibhornssup, N., Elliott, C. T., Visessanguan, W., ... & Petchkongkaew, A. (2024). Current challenges of alternative proteins as future foods. npj Science of Food, 8(1), 53. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41538-024-00291-w

Moura, M. A. F. E., Martins, B. D. A., Oliveira, G. P. D., & Takahashi, J. A. (2023). Alternative protein sources of plant, algal, fungal and insect origins for dietary diversification in search of nutrition and health. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 63(31), 10691-10708. https://doi.org/10.3920/JIFF2022.0176

Mylan, J., Andrews, J., & Maye, D. (2023). The big business of sustainable food production and consumption: Exploring the transition to alternative proteins. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 120(47), e2207782120. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2207782120

Nguyen, J., Ferraro, C., Sands, S., & Luxton, S. (2022). Alternative protein consumption: A systematic review and future research directions. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 46(5), 1691-1717. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.12818

Nirmal, N., Anyimadu, C. F., Khanashyam, A. C., Bekhit, A. E. D. A., & Dhar, B. K. (2024). Alternative Protein Sources: Addressing Global Food Security and Environmental Sustainability. Sustainable Development. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.2572

Ogutu, F. O., Okiko, G., Wanjala, G., Luvitaa, S., Obong'o, B. O., Vriesekoop, F., & Munialo, C. D. (2024). Unlocking the potential of plant‐based foods in sub‐Saharan Africa: a review of the opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 59(8), 5326-5342. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.17327

Onwezen, M. C., Bouwman, E. P., Reinders, M. J., & Dagevos, H. (2021). A systematic review on consumer acceptance of alternative proteins: Pulses, algae, insects, plant-based meat alternatives, and cultured meat. Appetite, 159, 105058. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2020.105058

Otero, P., Carpena, M., Fraga‐Corral, M., Garcia‐Oliveira, P., Soria‐Lopez, A., Barba, F. J., ... & Prieto, M. A. (2021). Aquaculture and agriculture‐by products as sustainable sources of omega‐3 fatty acids in the food industry. EFood, 2(5), 209-233. https://doi.org/10.53365/efood.k/144603

Rolands, M. R., Hackl, L. S., Bochud, M., & Lê, K. A. (2024). Protein adequacy, plant protein proportion and main plant protein sources consumed across vegan, vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian and semi-vegetarian diets: A systematic review. The Journal of Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jn.2024.03.001

Salter, A. M., & Lopez-Viso, C. (2021). Role of novel protein sources in sustainably meeting future global requirements. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 80(2), 186-194. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665121000513di

Schulp, C. J., Ulug, C., Stratton, A. E., Williams, T. G., & Verburg, P. H. (2024). Linking production, processing, and consumption of plant-based protein alternatives in Europe. Global Environmental Change, 89, 102940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2024.102940

Segatto, M. L., Stahl, A. M., Zanotti, K., & Zuin, V. G. (2022). Green and sustainable extraction of proteins from agro-industrial waste: An overview and a closer look to Latin America. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, 37, 100661. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogsc.2022.100661

Shaghaghian, S., McClements, D. J., Khalesi, M., Garcia-Vaquero, M., & Mirzapour-Kouhdasht, A. (2022). Digestibility and bioavailability of plant-based proteins intended for use in meat analogues: A review. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 129, 646-656. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2022.11.016

Siddiqui, S. A., Alvi, T., Sameen, A., Khan, S., Blinov, A. V., Nagdalian, A. A., ... & Onwezen, M. (2022). Consumer acceptance of alternative proteins: A systematic review of current alternative protein sources and interventions adapted to increase their acceptability. Sustainability, 14(22), 15370. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142215370

Silva, L. M., Sanglard, D. A., Nogueira, A. da S., Dourado, L. R., Silva, L. S. da, & Lessa, M. F. G. (2024). Agronomic and bromatological characteristics of genotypes of Carthamus tinctorius l. Potential for the cerrado region. Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering, 10(2), 340–348. https://doi.org/10.47456/bjpe.v10I².44380

Sobczak, P., Grochowicz, J., Łusiak, P., & Żukiewicz-Sobczak, W. (2023). Development of alternative protein sources in terms of a sustainable system. Sustainability, 15(16), 12111. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612111

Tavares, P. P. L. G., dos Santos Lima, M., Pessôa, L. C., de Andrade Bulos, R. B., de Oliveira, T. T. B., da Silva Cruz, L. F., ... & de Souza, C. O. (2022). Innovation in alternative food sources: A review of a technological state-of-the-art of insects in food products. Foods, 11(23), 3792. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11233792

Ulhas, R. S., Ravindran, R., Malaviya, A., Priyadarshini, A., Tiwari, B. K., & Rajauria, G. (2023). A review of alternative proteins for vegan diets: sources, physico-chemical properties, nutritional equivalency, and consumer acceptance. Food Research International, 113479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113479

Van Dijk, M., Morley, T., Rau, M. L., & Saghai, Y. (2021). A meta-analysis of projected global food demand and population at risk of hunger for the period 2010–2050. Nature Food, 2(7), 494-501. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-021-00322-9

van Meijl, H., Shutes, L., Valin, H., Stehfest, E., van Dijk, M., Kuiper, M., ... & Havlik, P. (2020). Modelling alternative futures of global food security: Insights from FOODSECURE. Global Food Security, 25, 100358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2020.100358

Veldkamp, T., Meijer, N., Alleweldt, F., Deruytter, D., Van Campenhout, L., Gasco, L., ... & Van der Fels-Klerx, H. J. (2022). Overcoming technical and market barriers to enable sustainable large-scale production and consumption of insect proteins in Europe: A SUSINCHAIN perspective. Insects, 13(3), 281. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13030281

Villaró, S., Viñas, I., & Lafarga, T. (2021). Consumer acceptance and attitudes toward microalgae and microalgal-derived products as food. In Cultured microalgae for the food industry (pp. 367-385). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-821080-2.00016-6

Xu, Y., Tong, X., Lu, Y., Lu, Y., Wang, X., Han, J., ... & Sun, Q. (2024). Microalgal proteins: Unveiling sustainable alternatives to address the protein challenge. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 133747. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133747

Wali, A. (2021). Microbial fermentation and quality preservation of agro-industrial wet by-products. Thesis Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture. Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University. http://doi.org/10.18926/62174

Walter, N., Cohen, J., Holbert, R. L., & Morag, Y. (2020). Fact-checking: A meta-analysis of what works and for whom. Political communication, 37(3), 350-375. https://doi.org/10.1080/10584609.2020.1723752

Wang, Y., Tuccillo, F., Niklander, K., Livi, G., Siitonen, A., Pöri, P., ... & Katina, K. (2024). Masking off-flavors of faba bean protein concentrate and extrudate: The role of in situ and in vitro produced dextran. Food Hydrocolloids, 150, 109692. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2024.109692

Williamson, E., Ross, I. L., Wall, B. T., & Hankamer, B. (2024). Microalgae: Potential novel protein for sustainable human nutrition. Trends in Plant Science, 29(3), 370-382. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2023.10.004

Wu, J. Y., Tso, R., Teo, H. S., & Haldar, S. (2023). The utility of algae as sources of high value nutritional ingredients, particularly for alternative/complementary proteins to improve human health. Frontiers in nutrition, 10, 1277343. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1277343

Zahari, I., Östbring, K., Purhagen, J. K., & Rayner, M. (2022). Plant-based meat analogues from alternative protein: a systematic literature review. Foods, 11(18), 2870. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11182870

Cover Image
“A person holding a wooden bowl filled with a colorful salad containing vegetables, grains, and plant-based protein, while lifting a spoonful of the food. The title and authors of a meta-analysis study on alternative proteins are displayed at the top.”
Published
2025-11-25
Section
AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
License

Copyright (c) 2025 Siqueira, P. D. B., Sanglard, D. A., Pereira, S., Antunes, M. F. L., Silva, L. M., Nogueira, A. da S., Silveira, A. C. A., Torres, B. F., & Batista, F. E. R.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

All works published in the Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering (BJPE) are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). This means that: Anyone can copy, distribute, display, adapt, remix, and even commercially use the content published in the journal; Provided that due credit is given to the authors and to BJPE as the original source; No additional permission is required for reuse, as long as the license terms are respected. This policy complies with the principles of open access, promoting the broad dissemination of scientific knowledge. 🔗 Click here to access the full license

How to Cite

Siqueira , P. D. B., Sanglard, D. A., Pereira, S., Antunes, M. F. L., Silva, L. M., Nogueira, A. da S., Silveira, A. C. A., Torres, B. F., & Batista, F. E. R. (2025). Alternative proteins in the human diet: Meta-Analytical analyses from 2014 to 2024. Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering, 11(4), 247-263. https://doi.org/10.47456/bjpe.v11i4.48568