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

Foods (Basel, Switzerland) · 3 October 2026 · DOI 10.3390/foods15183239

Researchers compared plant, microbial, cultivated and insect protein systems, finding different trade-offs rather than one clear winner. They systematically analysed Scopus records, mapped publication patterns with Biblioshiny and VOSviewer, and assessed environmental, economic, technical, nutritional and social evidence. Plant proteins led on maturity and cost. Microbial systems used resources efficiently. Cultivated meat resembled conventional meat but faced energy and cost limits. Insects aided nutrient recycling but met regulatory and consumer resistance. Mixed platforms therefore appear more credible than a single replacement.

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