VivicaI

Abstract

Overthepastdecade,aplethoraofalternativeprotein(AP)productshasenteredtheUSfoodsystemasplant-basedfoodandbeverageproducts. TheseAPproducts,whichincludeplant-basedmeatanddairyalternativesandcell-culturedmeatandseafoodproducts,arebeingdevelopedforthe marketplacetosimulatetheappearance,texture,taste,andflavorandnutritionalprofilesofanimalproducts.ThenewgenerationofAPplant-based andcell-culturedfoodandbeverageproductsarepartofamarket-drivennarrativethathasembracedtechnologytoaddressfuturehumanhealth, environmental, ethical, and planetary health challenges. This perspective article synthesizes evidence about the benefits of adopting minimally processed plant-based diets that support sustainable food systems and human and planetary health. Thereafter, it examines 4 wicked challenges related to AP products in the US context that include 1) a confusing marketing landscape for the public; 2) diverse views and varying acceptance among consumers about the health and environmental benefits of these products; 3) inadequate education and labeling provided by federal agenciestoenableconsumerstounderstandhowthesemaysupporthealthysustainablediets;and4)slowfederalpolicyandregulatoryactionsto addresstherangeofAPproductsandprovideindustryguidance.Thearticleconcludeswithsuggestedpoliciesandactionsforgovernmentagencies and food system actors to address these challenges. Future research and actions are needed to balance the human health, equity, animal welfare, andeconomicviabilitygoalsandtoclarifyhowAPproductsmaysupportsafe,healthy,sustainabledietsandfoodsystems