Sustainable plant-based protein sources and their extraction

Global demand for plant proteins is increasing and expected to grow in coming years due to consumer interest in sustainability, health, and animal welfare. Several extraction methods can currently produce high-protein-purity isolates, but these vary in their environmental impact and the functionality of the proteins isolated, although alternative approaches are also emerging. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the protein extraction processes and plant sources studied to date, with particular emphasis on sustainability. Preprocessing steps together with conventional and novel dry, wet, and hybrid protein extraction methods are also considered. Dry and hybrid fractionation methods, as well as novel wet extraction techniques, could potentially reduce the future environmental impact of protein extraction. Further research is needed, however, to optimize and upscale these processes and assess their effect on protein structure, functionality, and the application of protein extracts in food products.