Alternative Proteins Research Network

Alternative proteins are one of the best ways for the food system to reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment. Livestock proteins can generate between 2x and 200x more emissions than protein crops such as grains, pulses and nuts[1].

Sales of meat and dairy substitute products are estimated to grow to £6.8 billion by 2025 globally, and Europe currently has a 37% share of the global market[2].

The Good Food Institute report that 2021 saw a record investment in capital in the alternative protein sector, with $5bn raised and a record number of investment deals made.  

The National Food Strategy – The Plan suggested an investment of £1bn was needed into alternative protein research in order to meet health, climate and nature commitments.

[1] Poore, J. and Nemecek, T. (2018) and additional calculations by World in Data. FoodClimate Res. Network, University of Oxford

 [2] Plant based alternatives-Deloitte

Our network brings together expertise at leading UK research institutes, NIAB, University of Kent and University of Greenwich.

NIAB

Experts in plant-based protein crops, NIAB has in-depth knowledge of pulse crops, such as fava beans, and legumes, including soy and lentil. Their world-leading capabilities in genetics and biotechnology link to the UK’s largest field trials operation. NIAB also offer agronomy support, helping farmers to boost the UK production of protein crops and feedstocks.

NIAB work with leading alternative proteins brands such as Quorn, to understand the biology of the fungus used to make their products.  Their research is also looking at the genetics of legumes to increase the number and diversity of climate-smart crops used in the arable rotation.

Areas of expertise

• Agronomy
• Crop physiology
• Plant breeding
• Legume research
• Genomics and gene editing
• Fungal genetics

University of Greenwich

Food processing and product development are at the heart of the University of Greenwich. The opening of the Medway Food Innovation Centre increases their research capacity with state-of-the-art equipment, some of which is unique to the UK.

These new facilities mean they can rapidly protype new products, take a scientific approach to improving taste and texture, and deliver healthy reformulations - reducing salt and sugar from plant-based food products.

Current projects include improving taste in algae-based products, extracting proteins from seaweed, upcycling plant proteins for meat and cheese alternatives, and looking at opportunities for underused proteins like faba beans.

Areas of expertise

• New product development
• Flavour and sensory analysis
• Food safety and quality
• Algae harvesting
• Plant and algal protein extraction
• Food processing

 University of Kent

Specialists in fungal biology and fermentation, the investment in the Biotechnology Hub at the University of Kent, brings new cutting-edge equipment to the region.

The University of Kent are hosts of the Kent Fungal Group, one of the largest collectives of fungal research in the UK, and they work on a large variety of food-relevant fungi and yeasts. Combined with their expertise in industrial biotechnology, including fermentation, synthetic biology and cell-culture, they are in an ideal position to understand how different fungal strains can be used in protein production. The University of Kent collaborate with a wide range of industrial partners in the food and drink sector, including Wye Vale Hops, Provenance Potatoes and Shepheard Neame.

Areas of expertise

• Industrial biotechnology
• Fermentation
• Strain development
• Fungal biology
• Proteomics
• Protein expression and purification

Alongside UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Growing Kent and Medway have published an Alternative Proteins Roadmap that outlines the potential for the growth of meat and dairy alternatives in the U.K food industry. The report gives insight into how U.K stakeholders can collaborate and innovate to tackle current challenges faced in meeting the rising demand of alternative proteins.

Download the report here