Are “alternative proteins” really alternative?

The problem with the semantics is that it suggests animal flesh is the only traditional source of protein, and the “alt” part means we must produce a new and innovative alternative to meat in order to get protein. 

But the fact of the matter is protein originally comes from plants, and plants aren’t just some cool new concept, as “alternative music” was perceived in the 90’s (even though it really wasn’t much different from music of previous eras). In fact, beans and legumes are among the healthiest sources of protein available. 

Plant protein around the world

In many countries, meat is not traditionally or culturally the main source of protein. India, where people consume the least amount of meat, close to  40% of the population identifies as vegetarian and the majority restricts their intake of meat to some degree. One of the most popular sources of protein for many Indians is dal, which consists of a variety of lentils, beans or peas and has been a traditional part of Indian cuisine for generations.  

Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria and Indonesia are also among the countries that consume the least amount of meat, and where many of the most traditional sources of protein are plantbased. 

Do we need another term for plantbased substitutes for animal foods? 

As you can see, there is nothing “alternative” about protein that does not come from animals. Perhaps a better term for plantbased (or cell-based or fermented) substitutes for animal foods would be “innovative proteins”. 

Then again, should we really obsess over the semantics? 

Many people throughout the world today enjoy the taste and texture of foods of animal origin, whether in the form of a hamburger patty or a steak. The problem is, animal agriculture represents between 14.5% and 18% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization and University of Oxford, respectively, and is the leading driver of Amazon rainforest deforestation, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists and Our World in Data. 

Animal agriculture is also among the biggest consumers of freshwater on the planet. In fact, it takes about 5,000 gallons of water to produce just one pound of beef, according to Harvard Environmental Law Review.    

But even with all this information available to the public, global meat consumption continues to rise. That’s why the growing plantbased and fermented food industry that replaces foods of animal origin, but retains a similar taste and texture, is a key player when it comes to the mitigation of climate change, environmental degradation, water waste, and protection of animal welfare, while reducing certain risks to human health.     

Call them “alt-proteins” or “innovative proteins” or “super-fun awesome proteins”, this wave of the present and future of food is a necessary step in the right direction.