TASTE2MEAT: Cooking up sustainable meat alternatives from plant-based proteins

With 80% of global agricultural land dedicated to livestock (1), the industry is a leading cause of deforestation and is responsible for up 12%-20% (2) of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. The health impacts are also significant as diets heavy in red (3) and processed meats are associated with increased health risks like heart disease and cancer.

These are only some of the reasons why, across Europe, most consumers are seeking alternatives to animal products. In 2023, 51% of consumers across 10 European countries (4) reported having reduced their meat consumption compared to the previous year. Considering this, the demand for sustainable protein sources is soaring, particularly among flexitarians – consumers who eat meat but are open to plant-based options.

TASTE2MEAT addresses this challenge head-on by rethinking meat production and focusing on plant-based alternatives which reduce environmental impact while promoting healthier diets.

The VTT-led project has created meat-like products that meet consumer expectations for taste and texture. That is achieved using a combination of legumes and oilseed byproducts such as sunflower press-cakes – the solid that remains after extracting oil from sunflower seeds.

EIT Food’s support was instrumental to the project’s success, offering not just funding but also access to its accelerator programs and advocacy network, which connected TASTE2MEAT with valuable industry partners. This support helped the team improve product quality through extensive consumer feedback, ensuring that the end products are not only nutritious but also appealing.

TASTE2MEAT’s innovation delivers benefits across the board, lowering reliance on animal farming and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while giving new life to agricultural byproducts, transforming them into valuable ingredients. It also provides healthier dietary choices, catering to a growing market interested in plant-based diets.

TASTE2MEAT’s vision is a future where plant-based proteins become mainstream, helping reduce environmental strain from traditional meat production. As demand grows, the project aims to scale up its operations across Europe, expanding partnerships to create a wider range of flavours and textures that appeal to different dietary preferences.

The potential impact is vast: if scaled effectively, TASTE2MEAT could contribute significantly to emissions reductions and water conservation within the food industry. With continued support, TASTE2MEAT could help shift dietary habits on a global scale, transforming how protein is produced and consumed.

TASTE2MEAT’s story highlights how innovation in food can address both environmental and health challenges. This project underscores the impact of supporting sustainable food initiatives and advancing policies that encourage plant-based alternatives. By championing projects like TASTE2MEAT, we can work toward a future where food production aligns with environmental goals and supports healthier lifestyles.