The world is moving quickly to new forms of protein, but the consumer is not there yet. Protein innovation is currently out of sync with consumer acceptance, but some companies are working to close the gap between the emerging proteins and the consumer.

Royal DSM, a global purpose-led science-based company, invites food and beverage producers to discover the latest consumer-inspired healthier snacking formats and indulgent, plant-based taste experiences at IFT FIRST.

ZENB Spaghetti is a spaghetti product made from 100% yellow peas and is the latest addition to the brand's growing pasta portfolio that champions the better for the planet and better-for-you hero ingredient. 

Eat Me Guilt Free is dedicated to product innovation and the enhancement of its existing products and is equally committed to creating new and improved formulas. 

Prepared Foods is giving readers even more food and beverage content across six key topics, which we’re calling POWER TRENDS.

Each 8fl-oz serving of BOOST® High Protein Cinnabon® Bakery Inspired Flavored Nutritional Drinks provide 20g of high-quality protein and nutrients.

Bay Area-based New Culture announced the hiring of Josh Kittleson, PhD, as the company's vp of biology. New Culture is part of the global movement to an animal-free dairy future, offering animal-free dairy products that are indistinguishable from conventional products in taste, texture, function, and nutritional content. Adding Kittleson's deep synthetic biology and R&D management expertise, the company has brought on board an industry leader to accelerate the time to market of its animal-free mozzarella.

ADM, a global leader in nutrition, announced that it will invest approximately $300 million to significantly expand its Decatur, Ill., alternative protein production, as the company continues to add capacity to meet strong demand growth. ADM will further enhance its alternative protein capabilities by opening a new, state-of-the-art Protein Innovation Center, also in Decatur. 

Investment in alternative proteins, and funding for general protein innovation strengthens in 2022.

As global efforts ramp up to mitigate the climate crisis, address land and water issues, and prevent the next pandemic, the sustained interest in alternative proteins signals a growing appetite for planet-friendly investments with returns beyond the bottom line.