Zuo Song

Project title: Assessing the potential of sustainably grown Irish plant proteins in meat products and plant-based analogue alternatives

Overview:  Zuo is working on testing a range of Irish-grown plant proteins in hybrid meat products and plant-based alternatives. Protein is a key nutrient, providing essential amino acids required by the body for growth, repair, and homeostasis. This project aims to explore sustainable, Irish-grown plant sources as innovative protein ingredients in traditionally meat-based food products. Therefore, this study will investigate the impact of incorporating Irish-grown plant proteins on the technological properties and sensory profile of meat products. The goal of this project is to develop innovative strategies that support the food industry in meeting the growing consumer demand for plant-rich and plant-based foodstuffs.

Programme area: Food Quality and Sensory Science Department

Supervisors: Ruth Hamill and Joe Kerry

Location: Teagasc Ashtown

Funding source: DAFM