Applications of sustainable proteins in food and feed, and perspectives on health and circular bioeconomy

Abstract

There has been a recent trend towards the use of "sustainable proteins" in attempts to meet the global challenge for healthier and more environmentally friendly food and feed systems. These renewable-source-derived proteins are novel sources of conventional proteins. The extraction methodologies for sustainable proteins, having been developed, are quite efficient in yielding high-quality proteins for such applications. Sustainable proteins have the potential to enhance nutritional profiles, enable advanced food and feed production techniques, and contribute to functional food product development. Furthermore, cross-linking and encapsulation strategies ensure stability and controlled delivery of proteins and derivatives from the green source to healthy pathways. By integrating sustainability assessments and life cycle analysis, sustainable proteins align with global biodiversity and climate goals, fostering a circular bioeconomy; this review explores their potential, focusing on extraction methodologies, functional applications, health benefits, and the role of policy frameworks in advancing resource-efficient and eco-friendly food and feed systems.

Keywords: Circular bioeconomy; Delivery systems; Health aspects; Production techniques; Sustainable proteins.