Texturized proteins: fabrication, flavoring, and nutrition

Plant-Based Meat Analogues in the Human Diet: What Are the Hazards?

Research regarding meat analogues is mostly based on formulation and process development. Information concerning their safety, shelf life, and long-term nutritional and health effects is limited. This article reviews the existing literature and analyzes potential hazards introduced or modified throughout the processing chain of plant-based meat analogues via extrusion processing, encompassing nutritional, microbiological, chemical, and allergen aspects. It was found that the nutritional value of plant-based raw materials and proteins extracted thereof increases along the processing chain. However, the nutritional value of plant-based meat analogues is lower than that of e.g., animal-based products. Consequently, higher quantities of these products might be needed to achieve a nutritional profile similar to e.g., meat. This could lead to an increased ingestion of undigestible proteins and dietary fiber. Although dietary fibers are known to have many positive health benefits, they present a hazard since their consumption at high concentrations might lead to gastrointestinal reactions. Even though there is plenty of ongoing research on this topic, it is still not clear how the sole absorption of metabolites derived from plant-based products compared with animal-based products ultimately affects human health. Allergens were identified as a hazard since plant-based proteins can induce an allergic reaction, are known to have cross-reactivities with other allergens and cannot be eliminated during the processing of meat analogues. Microbiological hazards, especially the occurrence of spore- and non-spore-forming bacteria, do not represent a particular case if requirements and regulations are met. Lastly, it was concluded that there are still many unknown variables and open questions regarding potential hazards possibly present in meat analogues, including processing-related compounds such as n-nitrosamines, acrylamide, and heterocyclic aromatic amino acids.

The potentials and challenges of using fermentation to improve the sensory quality of plant-based meat analogs

Despite the advancements made in improving the quality of plant-based meat substitutes, more work needs to be done to match the texture, appearance, and flavor of real meat. This review aims to cover the sensory quality constraints of plant-based meat analogs and provides fermentation as a sustainable approach to push these boundaries. Plant-based meat analogs have been observed to have weak and soft textural quality, poor mouth feel, an unstable color, and unpleasant and beany flavors in some cases, necessitating the search for efficient novel technologies. A wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, as well as fungi like Fusarium venenatum and Neurospora intermedia, have improved the product texture to mimic fibrous meat structures. Additionally, the chewiness and hardness of the resulting meat analogs have been further improved through the use of Bacillus subtilis. However, excessive fermentation may result in a decrease in the final product's firmness and produce a slimy texture. Similarly, several microbial metabolites can mimic the color and flavor of meat, with some concerns. It appears that fermentation is a promising approach to modulating the sensory profiles of plant-derived meat ingredients without adverse consequences. In addition, the technology of starter cultures can be optimized and introduced as a new strategy to enhance the organoleptic properties of plant-based meat while still meeting the needs of an expanding and sustainable economy.

A global perspective on a new paradigm shift in bio-based meat alternatives for healthy diet

A meat analogue is a casserole in which the primary ingredient is something other than meat. It goes by various other names, such as meat substitute, fake meat, alternative meat, and imitation meat. Consumers growing interest in improving their diets and the future of the planet have contributed to the move towards meat substitutes. This change is due to the growing popularity of low-fat and low-calorie diets, the rise of flexitarians, the spread of animal diseases, the loss of natural resources, and the need to cut down on carbon emissions, which lead to greenhouse effects. Plant-based meat, cultured meat, algal protein-based meat, and insect-based meat substitutes are available on the market with qualities like appearance and flavor similar to those of traditional meat. Novel ingredients like mycoprotein and soybean leg haemoglobin are mixed in with the more traditional soy proteins, cereals, green peas, etc. Plant-based meat is currently more popular in the West, but the growing interest in this product in Asian markets indicates the industry in this region will expand rapidly in the near future. Future growth in the food sector can be anticipated from technologies like lab-grown meat and its equivalents that do not require livestock breeding. Insect-based products also hold great potential as a new source of protein for human consumption. However, product safety and quality should be considered along with other factors such as marketability and affordability.

Application of extrusion-based 3D food printing to regulate marbling patterns of restructured beef steak

Consumers prefer marbled meat and are willing to pay a higher price, in addition, to the potential wastage of meat that is considered a lower value. In this study, meat production with varying levels of marbling was investigated using a multifilament printing approach. Different amounts of fat sticks were embedded into lean meat paste ink and used to produce 3D-printed meat that would cater to the diverse range of consumer preferences. The rheological behaviors of the meat and fat paste used in the multifilament were assessed and indicated that the ink would maintain shape stability after deposition. When the multifilament was used for printing, the intramuscular fat area of the cross-sectional surface was proportional to the fat added to the ink. The meat protein formed a three-dimensional gel network and showed a clear contraction pattern after heat treatment. As the fat content increased, the cutting strength of the printed meat after cooking decreased, and the cooking loss increased. All the printed steaks were well-texturized; in particular, the product with 10% fat paste had a high degree of texturization. This study will provide a market for less popular cuts of beef and guidelines for using various grades of meat to generate an improved quality product through a multifilament 3D printing approach.

Texturization of pea protein isolate by micro compounding

Twin-screw micro compounding is introduced as a novel technique to process and characterize small plant protein samples under conditions that are relevant for meat analogue processing. Small samples of pea protein isolate (PPI) (5 cm³, corresponding to ∼7 g of hydrated sample) are batch-processed at water contents between 40 and 70 % w/w and temperatures between 90 and 120 °C. Screw speed (100-400 rpm) and residence time (1-9 min) are varied resulting in values of the specific mechanical energy (SME) between ∼20 and 2000 kJ/kg, which is the range relevant for plant protein extrusion. Micro compounding process data provides information on several aspects of the rheological behavior of PPI. Shear thinning behavior is observed for PPI. The viscosity of the PPI during micro compounding was found to exponentially decrease with water content. The temperature dependence is consistent with an Arrhenius-type model. The extruded strands (length: ∼15 cm; diameter: 3.0 ± 0.2 mm) are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential solubility, water holding capacity (WHC), and texture profile analysis (TPA). The hardness as determined from TPA increases linearly with screw speed and residence time, jumps to higher values above the denaturation temperature of the PPI and decreases exponentially with the water content during processing. Micro compounding is found to be a useful technique to convert small plant protein samples at water contents between about 40 and 60 % w/w into texturized matrices and investigate the rheological behavior of plant protein isolates under conditions that are relevant for extrusion processing.

High moisture extrusion cooking of meat analogs: A review of mechanisms of protein texturization

High-moisture extrusion cooking (HMEC) is an efficient method for converting proteins and polysaccharides into fibrous structure that is used in the industrial production of meat analogs. The purpose of this review is to systematically evaluate current knowledge regarding the modification of protein structure including denaturation and reassembly upon extrusion processing and to correlate this understanding to the structure of the final products. Although there is no consensus on the relative importance of a certain type of bond on extrudates' structure, literature suggests that, regardless of moisture level, these linkages and interactions give rise to distinctive hierarchical order. Both noncovalent and disulfide bonds contribute to the extrudates' fibrous structure. At high water levels, hydrogen and disulfide bonds play a dominant role in extrudates' texture. The process parameters including cooking temperature, screw speed, and moisture content have significant albeit different levels of impact on the texturization process. Their correlation with the ingredients' physiochemical properties provides a greater insight into the process-structure-function relationship of meat analogs. The tendency of protein and polysaccharide blends to phase separate rather than produce a homogeneous mix is a particularly important aspect that leads to the formation of fibrous layers when extruded. This review shows that systematic studies are required to measure and explain synergistic and competitive interactions between proteins and other ingredients such as carbohydrates with a focus on their incompatibility. The wide range of plant protein source can be utilized in the HMEC process to produce texturized products, including meat analogs.

Egg white protein addition induces protein aggregation and fibrous structure formation of textured wheat gluten

The effect of egg white protein addition on the fibrous structure and protein aggregation of textured wheat gluten (TWG) extrudates was investigated. The hardness, springiness, chewiness, and degree of texturization of TWG significantly increased with the addition of egg white protein. Analysis of morphological characteristics showed a positive effect of egg white protein on the formation of the fibrous structure of TWG. The results of size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) indicated that the egg white protein improved the degree of wheat gluten aggregation, and the analysis of the protein intermolecular forces proved that disulfide bonds were the main contributor to the cross-linking of protein. In addition, an increase in the β-sheets also indicated an increase in protein aggregation induced by egg white protein. The addition of egg white protein promoted protein interactions and improved the fibrous structure of TWG.

The effect of cooling and rehydration methods in high moisture meat analogs with pulse proteins-peas, lentils, and faba beans

Pulse proteins (PLP) can be ideal alternative-sources that produce a meat-like textured product, known as a high moisture meat analog (HMMA). In this research, each commercial PLP: pea (16%), lentil (16%), and faba-bean (20%) was mixed with pea isolate (63%, 63%, and 59%, respectively) and constant ingredients which are canola oil (6%) and wheat gluten (15%) and texturized to produce HMMA using a twin-screw extruder (TX-52) with a cooling die. Soy concentrate and soy isolate were mixed with the constant ingredients and texturized into an HMMA and used as a control. Before freezing for storage, each sample was cooled by air, water, or a brine solution (2% or 4%) for 10 min. Frozen samples were thawed at room temperature (25 °C) for 3 hr and rehydrated by soaking at 25 °C for 2 hr, warm-soaking at 50 °C for 12 hr, or boiling for 2 min. Color, moisture content (MC), specific density (SD), water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), and texture were measured. Compared to the control, samples with PLP had less lightness and texture and greater redness, yellowness, MC and WSI. The 2% brine solution used for cooling reduced WSI without textural change compared to other cooling methods. Boiling for rehydration increased lightness while warm-soaking decreased lightness and increased yellowness. In addition, boiling resulted in the least MC, SD, WSI, and WAI following soaking and warm-soaking. Therefore, these PLP can be used as alternative meat sources to soy proteins and a 2% brine solution for cooling and rehydration by boiling are recommended to reduce the WSI. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Pulses are an excellent food ingredient because they are rich in protein and have an exceptional nutritional profile. In this study, high moisture meat analogs containing pea proteins, lentil proteins, faba bean proteins, and pea isolate instead of soy concentrate and soy isolate were produced. According to the results, pulse proteins can be an alternative source to soy proteins. Since they formed relatively well-defined orientation. Further research can be conducted using modified processing conditions for texturization to improve its quality. In addition, this research can help researchers and product developers understand proper handling methods for HMMA products after production such as cooling before freezing for storage and thawing and rehydrating after freezing.

Effect of extrusion temperature on the protein aggregation of wheat gluten with the addition of peanut oil during extrusion

The influence of extrusion temperature on protein components and aggregation of wheat gluten (WG) and wheat gluten-peanut oil complexes (WPE) during extrusion with the addition of peanut oil was studied. Gliadin content and wheat gluten extractability decreased and glutenin content increased as extrusion temperature increased. At the same extrusion temperature, the gliadin content in WPE was higher than that in WG. The addition of peanut oil also resulted in the higher gluten extractability of WPE than WG. Increasing extrusion temperature also increased the average molecular weight of glutenin and gliadin. The decreased free sulfhydryl (SH) and increased disulfide bonds (SS) indicated that wheat gluten aggregation was promoted, via disulfide cross-linking, when extrusion temperature increased. Furthermore, increased temperature promoted the aggregation of gluten by increasing sulfhydryl-disulfide bond (SH-SS) interchange during extrusion. When the secondary structure of wheat gluten was analyzed by circular dichroism, the relative gluten α-helix content was decreased and the relative β-sheet content was increased. Also, the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the size of the resultant particles increased with temperature, and the mean particle size of WPE was higher than WG. This research shows that extrusion temperature promotes gluten aggregation of WG and WPE. It provides basic data to support the study of gluten-lipid extrusion in the field of protein processing.

Meet the Meat Alternatives: The Value of Alternative Protein Sources

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Meat alternatives are non-animal-based proteins with chemical characteristics and aesthetic qualities comparable to meat. The global increase in meat consumption is associated with the adverse environmental impacts such as increased greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global warming and higher water/land use. In this review, we focus on the development, availability, and nutritional value of various meat alternatives and their impact on meat consumption.

RECENT FINDINGS

Changing dietary patterns and drive for environmental conservation contribute to the recent increase in the consumption of environmental friendly sources of proteins such as plant-based and mycoprotein-based meat alternatives. Perceived lack of naturalness and poor cultural acceptance present as roadblocks for widespread societal acceptance for meat alternatives. Continued research and efforts are needed to make the meat alternatives more aesthetically appealing with improved nutritive value.

Meat analog as future food: a review

The definition of meat analog refers to the replacement of the main ingredient with other than meat. It also called a meat substitute, meat alternatives, fake or mock meat, and imitation meat. The increased importance of meat analog in the current trend is due to the health awareness among consumers in their diet and for a better future environment. The factors that lead to this shift is due to low fat and calorie foods intake, flexitarians, animal disease, natural resources depletion, and to reduce greenhouse gas emission. Currently, available marketed meat analog products are plant-based meat in which the quality (i.e., texture and taste) are similar to the conventional meat. The ingredients used are mainly soy proteins with novel ingredients added, such as mycoprotein and soy leghemoglobin. However, plant-based meat is sold primarily in Western countries. Asian countries also will become a potential market in the near future due to growing interest in this product. With the current advance technology, lab-grown meat with no livestock raising or known as cultured meat will be expected to boost the food market in the future. Also, insect-based products will be promising to be the next protein resource for human food. Nevertheless, other than acceptability, cost-effective, reliable production, and consistent quality towards those products, product safety is the top priority. Therefore, the regulatory frameworks need to be developed alongside.

Effects of green tea contents on the quality and antioxidant properties of textured vegetable protein by extrusion-cooking

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of green tea contents (0, 5, 10, and 15%) on texturization and antioxidant properties of textured vegetable protein (TVP) by using a twin-screw extruder. Extrusion conditions were fixed at 140 °C barrel temperature, 50% moisture content, 100 g/min feed rate, and 200 rpm screw speed. The integrity index, hardness, and cutting strength of TVP significantly (P < 0.05) increased with the increase in green tea levels, while cohesiveness, springiness, water holding capacity, and nitrogen solubility index (NSI) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. Increasing the amount of green tea resulted in better DPPH radical scavenging activity, higher total phenolic, total flavonoid, catechins, and caffeine contents. The (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, (-)-epicatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin, and (-)-epicatechin gallate contents of TVP significantly (P < 0.05) decreased, compared to that of raw materials. The incorporation of green tea in TVP can negatively affect expansion and NSI while positively affect texturization and antioxidant properties.

Effects of cooking and fermentation on the chemical composition, functional, and antinutritional properties of kariya (Hildergardia barteri) seeds

The effects of natural fermentation and cooking on kariya seeds functional properties, chemical composition, and antinutritional properties were evaluated. Result showed a reduction in antinutritional properties and improvement in protein content which were observed to increase with cooking (at 100°C) and fermentation period (24-96 hr). Functional analyses showed an increase in foaming and emulsion properties, while water absorption capacity and swelling power were observed to likewise increase with an increasing temperature between 60°C and 90°C. There was also an improvement in foaming properties with increase in salt (NaCl) concentration, while emulsifying property decreases with an increase in salt (NaCl) concentration. Based on the result of the findings of this study, it can be stated that the cooking and fermentation processes employed in this study can enhance the domestic and industrial utilization of these seeds.

Development of a New Meat Analog Through Twin-Screw Extrusion of Defatted Soy Flour-lean Pork Blend

A pilot scale co-rotating, self-wiping twin-screw extruder was used to produce high-moisture texturised meat analogue products from defatted soy protein and lean pork blend with different combinations of operational variables and feed compositions. The effects of operational variables and feed compositions that include temperature setting in five heating zones of the extruder, screw speed, throughput, moisture content, oil content, and pork percentage upon sensory textual quality were determined. The optimal sensory texture and energy consumption of extrusion cooking of the feed blend were obtained with a die of rectangular slit configuration, barrel temperature setting at 60-100-120-150-110°C, screw speed at 80rpm, 50% moisture content, lean pork content ranging from 30-50%, and the oil content ranging from 12-16% (depending upon the fat content of the pork) for optimal extrudate texture formation and stable operation.

Extrusion texturized dairy proteins: processing and application

The primary proteins in milk, casein and the whey proteins α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin, have a number of health benefits and desirable functional properties. In a twin-screw extruder, mechanical shear forces, heat, and pressure cause considerable changes in the molecular structures of the dairy proteins, a process known as texturization. These changes further impart unique functional properties to dairy proteins, resulting in new protein-based food ingredients. The new functional behavior depends on the extent of texturization and the degree of structural change imparted and is controlled by adjusting parameters such as extrusion temperature and moisture level. Such texturized proteins can be used to produce puffed high-protein snacks. Softer gels and expanded structures can be made using supercritical fluid extrusion and cold extrusion, techniques that avoid elevated temperatures, minimizing possible damage to the nutritive components and functionality of the texturized dairy proteins. The uses of the texturized dairy ingredient in food products with improved functionality and enhanced nutritive profiles are presented.

[Management with soya of 1-4 years-old suffering malnutrition]

OBJECTIVE

To show that children from 1 to 4 years old suffering malnutrition who are treated with soya have a better chance of recovering height and weight.

DESIGN

Observational, prospective, case-control study.

SETTING

Family Medicine Unit No. 52, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For this survey, a sample of 83 undernourished children from 1 to 4 years old was taken and 3 experimental and 3 control groups were formed. The first group held children from 1 to 2 years old; the second group, from 2 years one month to 3 years old; and the third group, from 3 years one month to 4 years old. The study lasted for 12 months.

RESULTS

We found that the experimental group from 1 to 2 years old increased in weight and size by over 80%, whilst the weight and size gain in the other groups was significant, but not as much as expected.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to emphasize that there was greater impact in the group given soya, in which there was clear improvement. The degree of malnutrition dropped and in some cases nutritional status was restored. We can affirm that, if mothers' understanding improved, malnutrition could be prevented by proper training.

Flavor-protein binding: disulfide interchange reactions between ovalbumin and volatile disulfides

The irreversible binding of selected sulfur-containing flavor compounds to proteins was investigated in aqueous solutions containing ovalbumin and a mixture of disulfides (diethyl, dipropyl, dibutyl, diallyl, and 2-furfuryl methyl) using solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME). In systems which had not been heated, the recovery of disulfides from the headspace above the protein at the native pH (6.7) was similar to that from an aqueous blank. However, significant losses were observed when the pH of the solution was increased to 8.0. When the protein was denatured by heating, much greater losses were observed and some free thiols were produced. In similar heat-denatured systems at pH 2.0, no losses of disulfides were observed. Disulfides containing allyl or furfuryl groups were more reactive than saturated alkyl disulfides. Interchange reactions between protein sulfhydryl groups and the disulfides are believed to be responsible for the loss of the disulfides.

Value-added products from underutilized fish species

Fish is a rich source of easily digestible protein that also provides polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals for human nutrition. Nonetheless, a large proportion of total landed fish remains unused due to inherent problems related to unattractive color, flavor, texture, small size, and high fat content. Most of these underutilized fish belong to the abundantly available pelagic species, which are landed as bycatch, and some are unconventional species such as krill. Although some species are used industrially for fish meal manufacture, a need for their conservation and utilization for human consumption has been recognized in order to prevent post-harvest fishery losses. Recovery of flesh by mechanical deboning and development of value-added products are probably the most promising approaches. This article discusses various possibilities for product development using mince from low-cost fishery resources. These include surimi and surimi-based products, sausages, fermented products, protein concentrates and hydrolysates, extruded products, and biotechnological possibilities. The dual advantages of this approach, namely, finding ways for better utilization of low-value fish species and providing protein- rich convenience foods, have been pointed out. However, the key to the success of this approach depends largely on the market strategies utilized.