The UK has the opportunity to be a global leader in alternative proteins but only if challenges regarding cost, consumer acceptance and regulation can be met.
A new briefing paper, published by innovation platform Pioneer Group, stated that nutritious protein sources from plants, seaweeds, insects, fermentation (like fungi and microalgae), and cultured meat offer sustainable alternatives to consumption of animal protein, however it said that “to truly compete with traditional meat, alternative proteins must overcome three barriers: cost, sensory optimisation, and a complex regulatory system”.
The briefing note was created following a one-day workshop held in June 2024 at Pioneer’s Wilton Centre attended by over 40 representatives from industry, academia, funding bodies, investors and policymakers.
The group has identified ten “tactical actions” needed to grow the alternative proteins sector in the UK. These include running a nationwide communications campaign to raise awareness of alternative proteins and their benefits, the inclusion of alternative proteins in the food pyramid and government ‘Eatwell guide’, a framework for regulation of different proteins, and access to scale-up facilities for key technology developments.
Each action is assigned to a specific stakeholder. These include the Good Food Institute and the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein, which was established within University College London this summer.
The new National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre is identified as another key stakeholder. Co-funded by UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Innovate UK and a host of academic partners, the £35m centre will be responsible for developing tasty, planet-friendly animal protein alternatives.
There are signs that the UK government is looking to build domestic capabilities in the production and commercialisation of alternative proteins. Last week, the Food Standards Agency in collaboration with Food Standards Scotland was awarded £1.6m in government funding to launch a ‘sandbox programme’ for cell-cultivated products.
