The UMBC Alt Protein Project

About

The UMBC Alt Protein Project aims to inform others about alternative proteins through education and by providing opportunities to try them. We hope to reduce the stigma associated with alternative proteins, encourage others to adopt more alternative proteins into their diets as a method of sustainable action, and build an inclusive community of like-minded individuals, whether they are already vegan, are transitioning to a more plant-based diet, or currently eat animal products but could consider trying alternative protein instead for certain meals.

UMBC is an R1 Doctoral University with a wide array of undergraduate research opportunities. The bwtech@UMBC company Natáur was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research grant by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to produce non-petroleum-based taurine, an ingredient that can enhance the nutritional value of alternative protein products.

Ultimately, we want to bolster support for alternative protein research on campus and create lectures inside existing courses as well as entire courses focused on the future of food. With our efforts, we can make the planet more sustainable.