Science

Photo of plant-based tacos
Page

Defining alternative protein

Alternative proteins are produced from plants or animal cells, or by way of fermentation. They are designed to taste the same as or better than conventional animal products while costing the same or less. Alternative proteins require fewer inputs, use less land, and generate fewer negative externalities than conventional proteins.

Solutions Database

Life Cycle Assessment for alternative seafood relative to conventional fishing and aquaculture

To date, no robust environmental assessments have been conducted to compare alternative seafood to its conventional counterparts. An open-access, quantitative analysis of the relative environmental impacts of alternative seafood will help garner support for the industry from policymakers, nonprofit organizations, consumers, investors, foodservice outlets, and retailers.

Solutions Database

Plant-based scaffolds to improve cultivated meat nutrition

A variety of plant-based scaffolds present the opportunity to combine the natural nutritional and structural benefits of plants with the taste and high protein of cultivated meat. Bacterial nanocellulose from coconut water is a particularly promising scaffold material with its FDA approval status and beneficial nutritional and cell adhesion properties.