Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewedConventional

Navigating the shift toward sustainable diets: the use of protein blends in dairy alternatives

Megan McTernan, James A. O’Mahony, Aylin W. Sahin

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition · 2025

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Summary

This review examines how protein blends derived from multiple plant sources can address current limitations of plant-based milk alternatives, namely insufficient protein content and quality, sensory deficits, and cost barriers. The authors argue that optimisation of plant-based dairy alternatives through strategic protein blending is essential to support broader dietary transitions toward more sustainable food systems whilst maintaining nutritional adequacy and consumer appeal.

Regional applicability

The findings are applicable to United Kingdom food product development and dietary guidance, particularly relevant to UK sustainability objectives and the government's encouragement of plant-based alternatives. The review addresses barriers to adoption that are pertinent to UK consumers and food manufacturers seeking to align with net-zero targets and healthier eating patterns.

Key measures

Protein quantity and quality, sensory attributes, cost, environmental sustainability, nutritional comparability to dairy milk

Outcomes reported

The paper reviews the use of protein blends from diverse plant sources to enhance the nutritional profile, sensory characteristics, and sustainability of plant-based milk alternatives compared to conventional dairy products.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Food composition & nutrient databases
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
System type
Food supply chain
DOI
10.1080/10408398.2025.2588622
Catalogue ID
SNmqdayr9c-qt8bbe

Topic tags

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