As the world’s population grows, there is an increased demand for protein sources and a greater need for more resource-efficient production. The Smart Protein project promotes the growth of crops that are nutritious, have a lower impact on the planet than animal-based foods, are affordable, accessible and have a broad range of culinary applications. Here, we present some of the most promising candidates.
Smart Protein: seeking to generate alternative proteins
By 2050, the population of Earth is predicted to increase to almost ten billion people, all of whom will need to be fed with finite resources. Relying on animal-based protein sources puts a heavy strain on our environment, which means that nutritious, sustainable, and innovative protein alternatives are needed more than ever. The Smart Protein project is an EU-funded partnership between more than 30 external partners that aims to develop alternative protein ingredients and products which have a positive impact on the bioeconomy, environment, biodiversity, nutrition, food security, and consumer trust and acceptance.
