Targeted formulation of plant-based protein-foods: Supporting the food system’s transformation in the context of human health, environmental sustainability and consumer trends

With food production being a key contributor to nitrogen and phosphorus cycle disruption, biodiversity loss and climate change, the lacking sustainability of our food systems is a global issue. At the same time, unhealthy diets have been identified as the greatest global burden of disease. Both aspects underline the urgency of food system transformation and call for immediate action. A global shift to predominantly plant-based diets has been described as an effective strategy to make the food system more sustainable. While concerns regarding adequate protein supply from predominantly plant-based diets have been raised, many publications state that adequate protein can be provided when sufficiently diverse plant-based diets are consumed. In particular, a more holistic approach in evaluating food and diet quality (supply of dietary fibre, micronutrients and moderate levels of glycaemic load, salt, saturated fats) has been advocated. This review article provides an overview on current protein intake levels, the diversity of current protein supply and consumer trends and proposes principles for the targeted formulation of plant-based protein-foods that support and accelerate food system transformation. Vegetal protein intake seems to lack diversity and is mainly covered by cereal foods worldwide. Therefore, an increased inclusion of non-cereal proteins in plant-based protein-foods is desirable.