Cited by 79Insect Utilization and EffectsFood and Agricultural SciencesSeed and Plant Biochemistry

Alternative protein sources of plant, algal, fungal and insect origins for dietary diversification in search of nutrition and health

Moura, Marília Aparecida Fidelis e, Martins, Bruna de Almeida, Oliveira, Geane P. de, Takahashi, Jacqueline A.·2023·Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

Abstract

This review aimed to compare alternative protein sources in terms of nutritional composition and health benefits with the purpose of disseminating up-to-date knowledge and contribute for diversification of the food marked and consumers decision-making. Plant-based is the most well-established category of alternative proteins, but there is still room for diversification. Less conventional species such as chia seeds are prominent sources of ω-3 (∼60% total lipids), while hempseed and quinoa are notable sources of ω-6 (up to 58% and 61%, respectively). Edible insects and microalgae are alternative foods rich in protein (up to 70%), fibers (∼30%), as well as peptides and polysaccharides with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, antidiabetic, antidepressant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities. Additionally, lipid contents in insect larvae can be as high as 50%, on a dry weight basis, containing fatty acids with anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. In contrast, edible fungi have low lipid contents (∼2%), but are rich in carbohydrates (up to 79%) and have balanced amino acid profiles. The results suggest that food formulations combining different alternative protein sources can meet dietary requirements. Further studies on flavoring and texturing processes will help to create meat and dairy analogs, thus helping to broaden acceptance and applicability of alternative protein sources.

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Crossref · 10.1080/10408398.2022.2085657

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  • Current food systems cannot ensure nutritious and sustainable diets for everyone worldwide despite increased production capacity.

    “Current food systems face a paradox: although scientific and technological advances have increased production capacity, they still cannot ensure nutritious and sustainable diets for everyone worldwide.”

    From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as Moura et al., 2023

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Authors
Moura, M. A. F. E., Martins, B. D. A., Oliveira, G. P. D., & Takahashi, J. A.
Affiliations
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (BR)
Corresponding author
Takahashi, Jacqueline A.
Venue
Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
Published
2022-06-14
Volume
63
Issue
31
Pages
10691-10708
ISSN
  • 1040-8398 (ISSN-L)
  • 1549-7852
OpenAlex
W4282833210
Cited by
78
References
141
Citations by year
2026: 22 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 27 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 1
FWCI
1.43
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • CNPq (304922/2018-8)
  • CAPES (code 001, 465637/2014-0)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Insect Science › Insect Utilization and Effects
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Food and Agricultural Sciences
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Seed and Plant Biochemistry
Keywords
alternative protein sources, plant proteins, edible insects, edible microalgae, edible mushrooms, Salvia hispanica, hemp seeds, quinoa, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, antimicrobial peptides, polysaccharides, dietary diversity, food texture and flavor
MeSH terms
Animals, Diet, Insecta, Nutritional Status, Proteins, Seeds, Fatty Acids, Omega-3

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