The past, present, and future for alternative protein research: a century of interdisciplinary trends

Abstract

Alternative proteins are commonly framed as substitutes for animal proteins and therefore examined primarily through a food science perspective. However, this narrow framing overlooks their broader relevance across biological disciplines. In this study, we employed a bibliometric analysis of 22,122 publications to map the evolution of alternative protein research from 1905 to the present. Our findings show that alternative protein research has evolved through two major phases. Early research focused largely on fundamental biological questions, particularly genetic and molecular mechanisms. In contrast, more recent work has shifted toward applied domains, such as food science, nutrition, and sustainable production. These trends highlight the inherently interdisciplinary nature of alternative protein research, spanning both foundational biology and innovations in food systems. Future research on alternative proteins will focus on advancing sustainable food and feed innovations and prioritizing emerging technologies, such as using AI to optimize protein expression and using structural biology to improve the texture and digestibility of newly developed foods. Advancing the field will also require greater integration of policy analysis and consumer acceptance research to support cross-disciplinary collaboration. Although alternative proteins show promise for addressing sustainability challenges, critical gaps persist in production scalability, policy frameworks, and comprehensive lifecycle assessments. Addressing these gaps will be critical for realizing the full potential of alternative proteins.

Keywords

Alternative proteins / Bibliometric analysis / Environmental sustainability / Food systems / Evolution

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