B4 Biochemistry (KB-39-006-012)

This project focuses on three underexposed aspects of meat analogues: the gut microbiome, chemical contaminants, and societal effects. Each aspect will be addressed with an experimental study, focusing on two main goals: (i) increasing the substantive knowledge of meat analogues, and (ii) developing innovative methods for understanding and accelerating the protein transition. Our first objective is to explore the 'dark side' of meat analogues, exploring the risks and uncertainties associated with the focus on meat analogues in the protein transition. Although individual studies are beginning to point to potential problems, we lack a coherent transdisciplinary overview of the area. In addition, we want to develop methods that can be applied broadly to gain insight into the feasibility and desirability of different approaches to achieve a protein transition. For example, the gut microbiome plays an important role in our health, but currently, research is largely focused on the impact of different carbohydrates, rather than different protein sources. We want to know whether a relatively small change in our diet, from meat to meat analogues, can have a positive effect on the composition and functioning of the gut microbiome. We also will investigate the chemical risks of meat analogues, with the focus on pesticide residues and the presence of processing contaminants such as acrylamide. These chemical risks can be expected with meat analogues and are known to cause adverse health effects. The sociological part will focus on risks and uncertainties related to the integration of meat analogues in the diet (and thus the broader feasibility of the approach). Questions such as: can/do these products actually replace meat? Who finds them easier/harder to integrate into their diets, and why? Consequently, who do they exclude? The methods evaluated during this project will be further developed in the ongoing work of the researchers involved.