Development of emulsion-filled calcium alginate gels for thermoresponsive release of flavor in plant-based meat analogs.

We developed emulsion-filled calcium alginate gels (EF-CAG) as a novel thermoresponsive carrier for plant-based meat analogs (PBMA), designed to mimic the cooking-induced flavor release of real meat. Optimized to maximize flavor release upon heating, EF-CAG demonstrated a thermoresponsive release of 51% with a notable size reduction. Initial release profiles varied between media; a burst release of 43% occurred in water within the first 5 min, while <1% was released in air. EF-CAG consistently increased flavor release in PBMA during cooking, without adversely affecting appearance or flavor stability, maintaining flavor retention at 4 °C for 10 days. The sensory evaluation confirmed that EF-CAG successfully masked the beef flavor before cooking and enhanced its release afterward. Our findings suggest that EF-CAG can be effectively used as a flavoring agent for PBMA, offering similar flavor attributes to real meat during cooking.

Possibility of Isolated Mung Bean Protein as a Main Raw Material in the Production of an Extruded High-Moisture Meat Analog.

As consumer demand for meat analogs continues to grow, various plant proteins are being explored for their production. This study uses isolated mung bean protein (IMBP) to replace isolated soy protein (ISP), investigating the effects of IMBP content (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) on the physicochemical and textural properties of high-moisture meat analogs (HMMAs) and exploring the potential of IMBP in the development and production of meat analogs. The results show that IMBP can bind water and cause protein denaturation, thus requiring more time and higher temperatures to be formed compared to HMMAs without IMBP. Additionally, increasing the IMBP content improves the gelling ability, thereby increasing the input of specific mechanical energy. As the IMBP content increases, the fibrous structure of the HMMA also increases. When the IMBP content reaches 40-50%, the most meat-like fibrous structure is observed. The water-holding capacity, water absorption capacity, springiness, and cohesiveness are negatively correlated with the IMBP content, while the oil absorption capacity is positively correlated with it. The integrity index and nitrogen solubility index show opposite trends with the increase in the IMBP content. When the IMBP content is 50%, the springiness and chewiness are the lowest, and the cutting strength is also the lowest, but the sample has a rich fibrous content, indicating that the HMMA with 50% IMBP content is soft and juicy. In conclusion, IMBP has the potential to be a substitute for ISP in the production of HMMAs.

Effect of roasting temperature and soaking time on the nutritional, antinutrional and sensory properties of protein-based meat analog from lupine.

White lupine is a legume crop rich in adequate valuable nutrient profiles especially used as a possible source of proteins where animal-based proteins are scarce. However, there is little documented information about the effect of processing conditions to produce lupine protein-based meat analog. This study explores the impact of roasting temperature (raw, 130, 140, and 150 °C) and soaking time (raw, 2, 4, and 6 days) on the chemical compositions, physical quality, and sensory attributes of meat analog. The result showed that roasting at 140 °C and soaking for 4 days significantly increased (p˂0.05) the proximate and mineral contents of the meat analog. The highest protein content (82.46 %) was obtained at T2t2 (roasted at 140 °C and soaked for 4 days). While the lowest protein content (62.47 %) was observed at T3t3 (roasted at 150 °C and soaked for 4 days). Similarly, the highest (93.17 %) and lowest (79.47 %) cooking yields were obtained at T2t2 and T3t3 respectively. Roasting and soaking conditions also showed a significant effect (p˂0.05) on the anti-nutrient contents of meat analog. The highest overall sensory acceptability (6.40) of the meat analog was observed at T2t2. The research suggests that suitable processing conditions can enhance the nutritional profiles of lupine protein-based meat analog, potentially enabling its industrial production and global market entry.

Flavor of extruded meat analogs: A review on composition, influencing factors, and analytical techniques.

Meat analogs are anticipated to alleviate environmental and animal welfare concerns as the demand for meat rises. High moisture extrusion is commonly employed to produce meat analogs, and its flavor could influence consumers' choice. To improve the development and market demand of extruded meat analogs, flavor precursors and natural spices have been used in high moisture extrusion process to directly improve the flavor profile of extruded meat analogs. Although there have been many studies on the flavor of high moisture extruded meat analogs, flavor composition and influencing factors have not been summarized. Thus, this review systematically provides the main pleasant and unpleasant flavor-active substances with 79 compounds, as well as descriptive the influence of flavor-active compounds, chemical reactions (such as lipid oxidation and the Maillard reaction), and fiber structure formation (based on extrusion process, extrusion parameters, and raw materials) on flavor of extruded meat analogs. Flavor evaluation of extruded meat analogs will toward multiple assessment methods to fully and directly characterize the flavor of extruded meat analogs, especially machine learning techniques may help to predict and regulate the flavor characteristics of extruded meat analogs.

Construction and Properties of Oil-Loaded Soybean Protein Isolate/Polysaccharide-Based Meat Analog Fibers.

Rationally designing the fibrous structure of artificial meat is a challenge in enriching the organoleptic quality of meat analogs. High-quality meat analog fibers have been obtained by wet-spinning technique in our previous study, whereas introducing oil droplets will further achieve their fine design from the insight of microstructure. Herein, in this current work, oil was introduced to the soybean protein isolate/polysaccharide-based meat analog fibers by regulating the oil droplets' size and content, which, importantly, controlled the spinning solution characterization as well as structure-related properties of the meat analog fiber. Results showed that the oil dispersed in the matrix as small droplets with regular shapes, which grew in size as the oil content increased. Considering the effect of oil droplets' size and content on the spinnability of the spinning solution, the mechanical stirring treatment was chosen as the suitable treatment method. Importantly, increasing the oil content has the potential to enhance the juiciness of meat analog fibers through improvements in water-holding capacity and alterations in water mobility. Overall, the successful preparation of oil-loaded plant-based fiber not only mimicked animal muscle fiber more realistically but also provided a general platform for adding fat-soluble nutrients and flavor substances.

Use of Pea Proteins in High-Moisture Meat Analogs: Physicochemical Properties of Raw Formulations and Their Texturization Using Extrusion.

A new form of plant-based meat, known as 'high-moisture meat analogs' (HMMAs), is captivating the market because of its ability to mimic fresh, animal muscle meat. Utilizing pea protein in the formulation of HMMAs provides unique labeling opportunities, as peas are both "non-GMO" and low allergen. However, many of the commercial pea protein isolate (PPI) types differ in functionality, causing variation in product quality. Additionally, PPI inclusion has a major impact on final product texture. To understand the collective impact of these variables, two studies were completed. The first study compared four PPI types while the second study assessed differences in PPI inclusion amount (30-60%). Both studies were performed on a Wenger TX-52 extruder, equipped with a long-barrel cooling die. Rapid-visco analysis (RVA) and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) indicated differences in protein solubility among the different PPI types. In general, lower protein solubility led to better product quality, based on visual evaluation. Cutting strength and texture profile analysis showed increasing PPI inclusion from 30-60% led to significantly higher product hardness (14,160-16,885 g) and toughness (36,690-46,195 g. s). PPI4 led to lower product toughness (26,110 and 33,725 g. s), compared to the other PPIs (44,620-60,965 g. s). Heat gelling capacity of PPI4 was also highest among PPI types, by way of least gelation concentration (LGC) and RVA. When compared against animal meat, using more PPI (50-60%) better mimicked the overall texture and firmness of beef steak and pork chops, while less PPI better represented a softer product like chicken breast. In summary, protein content and also functionality such as cold water solubility and heat gelation dictated texturization and final product quality. High cold water solubility and poor heat gelation properties led to excessive protein cross linking and thicker yet less laminated shell or surface layer. This led to lower cutting firmness and toughness, and less than desirable product texture as compared to animal meat benchmarks. On the other hand, pea proteins with less cold water solubility and higher propensity for heat gelation led to products with more laminated surface layer, and higher cutting test and texture profile analysis response. These relationships will be useful for plant-based meat manufacturers to better tailor their products and choice of ingredients.

Current technology and industrialization status of cell-cultivated meat.

Interest and investment in cultivated meat are increasing because of the realization that it can effectively supply sufficient food resources and reduce the use of livestock. Nevertheless, accurate information on the specific technologies used for cultivated meat production and the characteristics of cultivated meat is lacking. Authorization for the use of cultivated meat is already underway in the United States, Singapore, and Israel, and other major countries are also expected to approve cultivated meat as food once the details of the intricate process of producing cultivated meat, which encompasses stages such as cell proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and assembly, is thoroughly established. The development and standardization of mass production processes and safety evaluations must precede the industrialization and use of cultivated meat as food. However, the technology for the industrialization of cultivated meat is still in its nascent stage, and the mass production process has not yet been established. The mass production process of cultivated meat may not be easy to disclose because it is related to the interests of several companies or research teams. However, the overall research flow shows that equipment development for mass production and cell acquisition, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as for three-dimensional production supports and bioreactors have not yet been completed. Therefore, additional research on the mass production process and safety of cultivated meat is essential. The consumer's trust in the cultivated meat products and production technologies recently disclosed by some companies should also be analyzed and considered for guiding future developments in this industry. Furthermore, close monitoring by academia and the government will be necessary to identify fraud in the cultivated meat industry.

Physical property changes promoting shelf-life extension of soy protein-based high moisture meat analog under high pressure treatment.

The effects of high pressure treatment were investigated on the physical properties and possible shelf-life extension of soy protein-based high moisture meat analog (S-HMMA) produced by the extrusion process. High pressure treatment was applied at 200, 400 and 600 MPa for 5, 10 and 15 min. Physical properties of S-HMMA including appearance, moisture content, color and texture were analyzed during storage at 4 °C for 8 weeks. Higher pressure and longer storage time significantly reduced moisture content by creating more air cells and increasing cavitation. L* value of S-HMMA products increased at higher levels of pressurization while increasing storage time tended to decrease lightness. The unpressurized control S-HMMA product showed increasing hardness and toughness, while S-HMMA products subjected to various pressures exhibited higher hardness and toughness over time compared to the control sample at 200-400 MPa. Products treated with high pressure (600 MPa) showed the highest reductions in microbial growth but the aroma of the beans became more pronounced.

Construction of a soybean protein isolate/polysaccharide-based whole muscle meat analog: Physical properties and freeze-thawing stability study.

A growing interest has arisen in recreating real meat by mimicking its texture characteristics and muscle fiber structure. Our previous work successfully created meat analog fiber based on soybean protein isolate (SPI) and sodium alginate (SA) with the wet-spinning method. In this work, we analyzed the microstructure, texture profile, and water retainability of the assembled plant-based whole muscle meat analog (PMA) made of SPI/SA-based meat analog fiber and systematically studied the effect of different combinations and contents of transglutaminase (TG), salt, and soybean oil on the rheological behavior of the formulated adhesive. The estimated optimal condition that has the most similar texture characteristic with real chicken breast meat is: for every 1:1 mass ratio of simulated plant meat fibers to the adhesive, add 0.1 % TG enzyme addition in the adhesive and 100 mM NaCl addition. The physical behavior of PMA during cryopreservation was investigated through freeze-thaw cycles and freezing times. The addition of a small amount of oil and salt can efficiently prevent the PMA through freezing conditions which is comparable with the addition of D-Trehalose (TD). Overall, this study not only created a plant-based whole muscle meat analog product that is similar in texture to real chicken breast meat but also provided a new direction for constructing fiber-rich structure protein-based muscle meat analogs and their further commercialization.

Thermomechanical transitions of meat-analog based fried foods batter coating.

This study aimed to characterize the thermomechanical transitions of meat-analog (MA) based coated fried foods. Wheat and rice flour-based batters were used to coat the MA and fried at 180 °C in canola oil for 2, 4 and 6 min. Glass-transition-temperature (Tg) of the coatings were assessed by differential scanning calorimetry, directly after frying or after post-fry holding. Mechanical texture analyzer and X-ray microtomography were employed to assess textural attributes and internal microstructure, respectively. Batter-formulation substantially impacted the Tg of fried foods coating i.e., crust. Tg of fried foods crust were ranged between -20 °C to -24 °C. Tg was positively correlated with frying time and internal microporosity (%), whereas negatively correlated with moisture content. Internal microstructure greatly influenced the textural attributes (hardness, brittleness, crispiness). Post-fry textural stability considerably impacted by Tg. Negative Tg value explains post-fry textural changes (hard-to-soft, brittle-to-ductile, crispy-to-soggy) of MA-based coated products at room-temperature (25 °C) and under IR-heating (65 °C).

Current Technologies and Future Perspective in Meat Analogs Made from Plant, Insect, and Mycoprotein Materials: A Review.

This study reviewed the current data presented in the literature on developing meat analogs using plant-, insect-, and protein-derived materials and presents a conclusion on future perspectives. As a result of this study, it was found that the current products developed using plant-, insect-, and mycoprotein-derived materials still did not provide the quality of traditional meat products. Plant-derived meat analogs have been shown to use soybean-derived materials and beta-glucan or gluten, while insect-derived materials have been studied by mixing them with plant-derived materials. It is reported that the development of meat analogs using mycoprotein is somewhat insufficient compared to other materials, and safety issues should also be considered. Growth in the meat analog market, which includes products made using plant-, insect-, and mycoprotein-derived materials is reliant upon further research being conducted, as well as increased efforts for it to coexist alongside the traditional livestock industry. Additionally, it will become necessary to clearly define legal standards for meat analogs, such as their classification, characteristics, and product-labeling methods.

Restructuring plant-derived composites towards the production of meat-analog based coated fried food.

This study utilized different plant-based composites to develop restructured meat-analog (MA). Physicochemical, thermal, mechanical, structural, and sensory properties of formulated MA as well as batter-coated fried MAs were studied, and compared with a commercial product. Protein (23.27-24.68 %), moisture (57.05-58.78 %), pH (7.19-7.57), color (L:64.76-66.84, a:0.62-1.98, b:18.84-20.49), and textural (MF:0.22-0.52 N, GF:0.07-0.24 N/sec, FA:0.74-1.92 N.sec) attributes of formulated MAs were substantially impacted by the ratio of soy-protein-isolate (SPI) and wheat-gluten (WG). Incorporation of higher WG and lower SPI resulted in the formation of chicken-like fibrous and porous structure, hence, increased consumers acceptability of MA-based coated fried products. Microporosity (crust:51.14-58.35 %, core: 63.57-71.55 %), surface opening (5.67-14.75 %), and fractal dimension (2.586-2.402) of coated fried MAs were dependent on the formulation of batter-coating. MA-based coated fried products surface moisture-fat (SMR:0.51-187.20 au; SFR: 2.01-20.17 au) profile significantly (p < 0.05) varied with the formulations of batter-coating. Negative glass-transition-temperature (around -23 °C) is prime concern for MA-based fried products stability at room environment.

Effect of l-cysteine on functional properties and fibrous structure formation of 3D-printed meat analogs from plant-based proteins.

The development of three-dimensional (3D) printed meat analogs with fiber, texture, and sensory resembling meat remains challenging. This study investigated the effect of l-cysteine on functionality enhancement and fibrous structure formation in mixtures of mung bean protein isolate (MBPI) and wheat gluten (WG) for meat analog production. 3D printing was used to construct fibrous filaments. Raw MBPI-WG mixtures decreased rheological properties when increasing l-cysteine contents (0.0%-0.6%), promoting ink extrudability. The cys-0.4% ink exhibited the highest printing resolution and structural stability, correlated with its higher mechanical strength and increased disulfide cross-links. After cooking, the cys-0.4% sample showed a pronounced fibrousness in agreement with its microstructure image. This meat analog displayed a muscle-meat-like structure, improved texture, and reduced beany odor and bitter taste. Excessive cysteine contents (0.5%-0.6%) negatively affected the functionality of meat analogs. This study provides guidance for optimizing the amount of l-cysteine in meat analogs to improve product quality.

Effects of Process Variables on the Physicochemical, Textural, and Structural Properties of an Isolated Pea Protein-Based High-Moisture Meat Analog.

This study investigated the optimal extrusion conditions required to produce an isolated pea protein (IPP)-based meat analog. High-moisture extrusion cooking (HMEC) was performed. The effects of the moisture content (55 and 60%), barrel temperature (165 and 175 °C), and screw speed (150 and 200 rpm) on the physicochemical, textural, and structural properties of the high-moisture meat analog (HMMA) were determined. The results showed that the moisture content had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the physicochemical and textural properties of the HMMA. A lower moisture content had significant impact (p < 0.05) on enhancing the texturization of the HMMA and the formation of fibrous structures, thereby increasing the texture profile analysis (TPA) and cutting strength of the HMMA. Protein denaturation during HMEC resulted in a lower protein solubility of the meat analog than the raw material. The content of ß-sheets and ß-turns in the meat analogs were higher than that in the raw material, while the content of random coils and α-helices is inversely proportional. The process variables had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the secondary structures. In conclusion, the moisture content is the most important factor affecting the properties of HMMAs. The extrusion process variables for HMMAs are a moisture content of 55%, a barrel temperature of 175 °C, and a screw speed of 200 rpm.

Electromagnetic, Air and Fat Frying of Plant Protein-Based Batter-Coated Foods.

There is growing consumer and food industry interest in plant protein-based foods. However, quality evolution of plant protein-based meat analog (MA) is still a rarely studied subject. In this study, wheat and rice flour-based batter systems were used to coat plant protein-based MA, and were partially fried (at 180 °C, 1 min) in canola oil, subsequently frozen (at -18 °C) and stored for 7 days. Microwave heating (MH), infrared heating (IH), air frying (AF) and deep-fat frying (DFF) processes were employed on parfried frozen MA products, and their quality evolution was investigated. Results revealed that the fat content of MH-, IH- and AF-treated products was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than DFF-treated counterparts. Batter coatings reduced fat uptake in DFF of MA-based products. Both the batter formulations and cooking methods impacted the process parameters and quality attributes (cooking loss, moisture, texture, color) of MA-based coated food products. Moreover, the post-cooking stability of moisture and textural attributes of batter-coated MA-based products was impacted by both the batter formulations and cooking methods. Glass transition temperature (Tg) of MA-based products' crust ranged from -20.0 °C to -23.1 °C, as determined with differential scanning calorimetry. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that surface structural-chemical evolution of MA-based products was impacted by both the coating formulations and cooking methods. Overall, AF has been found as a suitable substitute for DFF in terms of studied quality attributes of meat analog-based coated products.

Comparative Evaluation of Polysaccharide Binders on the Quality Characteristics of Plant-Based Patties.

Polysaccharides have been used in the production of plant-based meat analogs to replicate the texture of real meat. However, there has been no study that comprehensively compares the effects of different polysaccharides, and a limited number of polysaccharides have been evaluated. Thus, we aimed to identify the most suitable polysaccharide and concentration for plant-based patties. Plant-based patties were manufactured by blending different concentrations (0%, 1%, and 2%) of six polysaccharides with other ingredients, and the quality characteristics and sensory properties were evaluated. The L* values of plant-based patties reduced during the cooking process resembled the color change of beef patty (BP). In particular, a 2% κ-carrageenan-added patty (Car-2) exhibited the lowest L* value among the plant-based patties, measured at 44.05 (p < 0.05). Texture parameters exhibited high values by adding 2% κ-carrageenan and locust bean gum, which was close to BP. In the sensory evaluation, Car-2 showed higher scores for sensory preferences than other plant-based patties. Based on our data, incorporating 2% κ-carrageenan could offer a feasible way of crafting plant-based meat analogs due to its potential to enhance texture and flavor. Further studies are required to evaluate the suitability of polysaccharides in various types of plant-based meat analogs.

Level Optimization of Beet Powder and Caramel Color for Beef Color Simulation in Meat Analogs before and after Cooking.

In this study, concentration levels of beet powder (BP) and caramel color (CC) were optimized to simulate beef color in meat analogs before and after cooking. The central composite design of response surface methodology (RSM) was used to set the levels of BP and CC, and the CIE L*, CIE a*, and CIE b* were selected as the responses for RSM. After optimization, myoglobin-free beef patties were prepared with three optimized levels of BP and CC. When raw, all the patties had the same color as natural beef; however, CIE L*, CIE a*, and CIE b* were statistically different from those of beef after cooking (p<0.05). Moreover, the use of BP and CC induced "browning" after the cooking process, with no excessive yellow color. Therefore, based on the overall desirability in the color optimization using RSM, the combination of BP (1.32%) and CC (1.08%) with the highest overall desirability can be used to simulate the color change of beef in meat analogs.

Hypotheses concerning structuring of extruded meat analogs.

In this paper, we review the physicochemical phenomena occurring during the structuring processes in the manufacturing of plant-based meat analogs via high-moisture-extrusion (HME). After the initial discussion on the input materials, we discuss the hypotheses behind the physics of the functional tasks that can be defined for HME. For these hypotheses, we have taken a broader view than only the scientific literature on plant-based meat analogs but incorporated also literature from soft matter physics and patent literature. Many of these hypotheses remain to be proven. Hence, we hope that this overview will inspire researchers to fill the still-open knowledge gaps concerning the multiscale structure of meat analogs.

Contents and Correlations of Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine, Nε-(carboxyethyl)lysine, Acrylamide and Nutrients in Plant-Based Meat Analogs.

High temperatures applied in the production of plant-based meat analogs (PBMA) lead to the occurrence of Maillard reactions, in which harmful compounds Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), Nε-(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL) and acrylamide are formed. However, little research has focused on these compounds in PBMA. In this study, the contents of CML, CEL and acrylamide in 15 commercial-sold PBMA were determined by an ultra-high performance liquid chromatograph coupled with a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS). Nutrients (protein, amino acids, fatty acids and sugars) which are related to the formation of these compounds were also studied. The results showed that CML, CEL and acrylamide contents were in the range of 16.46-47.61 mg/kg, 25.21-86.23 mg/kg and 31.81-186.70 µg/kg, respectively. Proteins account for 24.03-53.18% of PBMA. Except for Met + Cys, which is the limiting amino acid of most PBMA, all other indispensable amino acids met the requirements for adults. Besides, PBMA had more n-6 fatty acids than n-3 fatty acids. A correlation analysis showed that proteins and the profiles of amino acid and fatty acid had little influence on CML but significant influence on CEL and acrylamide. The results of the present study can be used as a reference to produce PBMA with higher amounts of nutrients and lower amounts of CML, CEL and acrylamide.

Current technologies, regulation, and future perspective of animal product analogs - A review.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the recent development of meat analog, industrialization, and the related legal changes worldwide. Summarizing the current status of the industrialization of meat analog, studies on plant-based meat, mycoprotein, and edible insects were mainly conducted to investigate their sensory properties (texture, taste, flavor, and color resembling meat), nutritional and safety evaluations, acquisition method of meat alternatives, and commercialization. Cultured meat is mainly studied for developing muscle satellite cell acquisition and support techniques or materials for the formation of structures. However, these technologies have not reached the level for active industrialization. Even though there are differences in the food categories and labeling between countries, it is common to cause confusion or to relay false information to consumers; therefore, it is important to provide accurate information. In this study, there were some differences in the food classification and food definition (labeling) contents for each country and state depending on the product shape or form, raw materials, and ingredients. Therefore, this study can provide information about the current research available on meat alternatives, improve regulation, and clarify laws related to the meat analog industry, which can potentially grow alongside the livestock industry.