Alternative Methods for Plant-Based Alternative Proteins

The move toward plant-based alternative protein sources is one that has been in progress for many years. As the environmental impact of meat consumption is balanced against a push for higher protein-based diets and rising populations, finding sources of protein outside of animal products has become increasingly important for governing bodies and those focused on the environmental and health impacts of our food chain. At the same time, adoption by consumers requires plant-based protein alternative producers to consider the taste, texture, mouth feel, visual appearance, and nutritional composition while formulating a comparable option to meat-based sources. Production of a consistent product requires multiple component testing, in addition to a growing emphasis on and need for testing, as regulations and testing protocols come online. Herein, methodology to test moisture, fat, protein, ash, and trace metals (including nutritive metals and salts) is presented using highly accurate technology, suitable for at line results with rapid turnaround so that batches can be released. This same technology follows existing AOAC and FDA methodology, setting the precedent for alternative and, specifically plant-based proteins, to follow a similar protocol.