Alternative Protein: Sources, Bioactivities, Potential Health Benefits, and Application

Dear Colleagues,

As the global population continues to rise and increasing concerns over the environmental and health impacts of traditional animal-based protein sources, the search for alternative proteins has gained significant attention. Proteins derived from plants, insects, algae, fungi, and cultured meat technologies offer promising, sustainable solutions for future food systems. Beyond their environmental benefits, many of these alternative proteins exhibit unique bioactive properties that could promote various health advantages.

The Special Issue "Alternative Protein: Sources, Bioactivities, Potential Health Benefits, and Application" invites submissions of original research, reviews, and perspectives on these innovative proteins. This issue will explore sustainable production methods, including plant-based, insect-derived, algae, fungi, and cell-cultured proteins. We encourage studies that delve into their extraction, and characterisation of bioactive properties—such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities—and their potential health impacts, including cardiovascular support, gut health, obesity management, and muscle protein synthesis. Additionally, research on the practical applications of alternative proteins in food products, as well as their sustainability and economic feasibility, is also welcome.

This Special Issue seeks to be a comprehensive resource for advancing scientific knowledge on alternative proteins, driving innovation in the food industry, and encouraging healthier, more sustainable diets. We invite contributions from food scientists, nutritionists, biochemists, and researchers in related fields.

Dr. Deepak Kadam
Dr. Filiz Koksel
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.