With the growth of the world population, a higher demand for proteins is expected, especially from animal sources, but their production has a great environmental impact. The reduction of meat consumption, motivated by awareness about sustainability and animal welfare, is a growing trend in many developed countries. These factors, together with rising production costs due to global causes, are driving research into alternative sources of protein that are more sustainable and cost-effective.

In this context, insect breeding emerges as a viable option, since it requires fewer natural resources and has a lower environmental impact. Although consumption of insects is already common in some parts of the world, its acceptance in the West is beginning. The PISA project (Study of Insect Alternative Protein in the Sustainable Development and Production of Novel Foods) seeks to respond to this growing demand for alternative proteins, Aligning with FAO and UN recommendations to explore more sustainable and efficient solutions in food production.

The main objective of the project is to study and evaluate insect-derived ingredients as an emerging source of animal and plant proteins for the development of new hybrid meat products. Thus, it is sought to advance the knowledge of the properties of these ingredients and their applicability in different food matrices.

This research will allow, after the period of protection that currently restricts its use, participating companies to have the knowledge necessary to offer alternative protein solutions to the market quickly and efficiently.

Project participants: BOADAS 1880, S.A (leader), ESTEBAN ESPUÑA,S.A. (beneficiary), INNOVACC (coordinator), EURECAT (OPIO).

Projects with DARPA support - Operational Groups 2023

Project co-financed by the EU through intervention 7161 of the PEPAC 2023-2027