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Preprint

Alternative Protein Systems: A Bibliometric and Comparative Review of Sustainability, Functionality, and Future Food Systems

Preprints.org · 16 September 2026 · DOI 10.20944/preprints202608.0797.v1

Researchers reviewed Scopus-indexed literature on plant, microbial, cultivated and insect proteins, using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer to map publication trends and compare environmental, economic, technical, nutritional and social factors. Research has moved from individual production methods towards sustainability, circularity, life-cycle impacts and consumer acceptance. Plant-based options lead on maturity and cost, while microbial and insect systems aid resource reuse. Cultivated meat best matches conventional meat but faces high costs and energy use. No single approach leads on every measure, so mixed systems offer the soundest route.

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