Research on Development and Challenges of Forest Food Resources from an Industrial Perspective—Alternative Protein Food Industry as an Example
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 10/14/2025
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Summary
As the global population grows, we need new sources of protein to feed everyone sustainably. Scientists are developing four main types of alternative proteins from forests: edible insects, plants, microorganisms like mushrooms and yeast, and lab-grown meat. While these technologies show tremendous promise and are already appearing in stores, they still face challenges like high costs, safety concerns, and consumer hesitation. Solving these problems will require better research, clearer safety standards, and coordinated efforts across industries and governments.
Background
Forest food resources represent a critical but underutilized source of nutrition for global food security. The forest food industry encompasses diverse protein sources including insects, plants, microorganisms, and bio-manufactured proteins. Global food production must increase by 50% over the next 25 years to meet the nutritional needs of 10 billion people projected by 2050.
Objective
This review analyzes the current development status, opportunities, and challenges of forest protein resources from a global industrial perspective. It synthesizes technological innovations in alternative protein production including insect protein, plant-based proteins, microbial fermentation proteins, and cell-cultured meat.
Results
Global edible insect market valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2023, projected to reach USD 7.6 billion by 2028 with 18.89% CAGR. Over 1000 companies worldwide develop plant-based proteins. Microbial protein production costs 1.6-5.5 USD/kg versus 10-33 USD/kg for animal proteins. Cell-cultured meat can reduce energy consumption by 7-45%, water use by 82-96%, and greenhouse gas emissions by 78-96% compared to conventional livestock.
Conclusion
While substantial technological progress has been achieved in alternative protein development, commercial-scale implementation faces multifaceted challenges including resource exploration limitations, incomplete nutritional and safety evaluation systems, low consumer acceptance, high core technology costs, and inconsistent regulatory mechanisms. Success requires integrated approaches combining resource exploration, nutritional basis clarification, multi-technology integration, and sound market access systems.
- Published in:Foods,
- Study Type:Review,
- Source: 41154039