The case for beans: Alternative Brazilian proteins for plant-based meats
Caroline Mellinger, Ph.D.
Researcher, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa)
Webinar description
Brazil is one of the largest grain producers in the world and has the potential to become a significant player in the production of vegetable proteins. In addition to soy and peas, other legumes grown in Brazil, such as chickpeas, beans, and lentils, can provide affordable raw materials for the production of plant-based meat. In this presentation, Dr. Mellinger will discuss how she optimizes the production of protein concentrates and isolates from common beans, aiming for ingredients with good technological and nutritional attributes. She will also address the properties of these proteins compared to other vegetable protein sources.
Meet the speaker
Caroline Mellinger, Ph.D., is a Researcher at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) and has experience in biochemistry and the chemistry of macromolecules. Dr. Mellinger conducts research on the chemical characterization of polysaccharides, proteins, and peptides with potential biological and technological applications. Her work also focuses on evaluating the structural and functional behavior of macromolecules after simulation of human digestion. As a Researcher at Embrapa, she currently studies alternative proteins for the plant-based market and the use of agro-industrial by-products and waste for the generation of new ingredients rich in protein and fiber.
Upcoming events
View all events
Bridge2Food North American Symposium – APP Regional Student Symposium (Alt Protein Project)
After a successful student-led showcase in Brazil earlier this year, the Alt Protein Project is headed to the U.S.! Meet some of our incredible student leaders at the Bridge2Food North…
National FFA Convention & Expo
Event description The National FFA Convention & Expo is all about growing the next generation of leaders—and so is GFI. That’s why Jeremy Eltz, Ph.D., GFI’s Education and Workforce Development…
Sustainability from farm to fork: pulse grower practices
Join GFI and Pulse Canada for The Pulse Chain, a three-part webinar series spotlighting Canadian and U.S. pulse growers at the heart of sustainable protein innovation. Hear firsthand how pulses…
Cell growth modeling review for cultivated meat production: Recommendations to improve techno-economic models
Join report authors to learn what current data reveal, where critical gaps remain, and the research priorities shaping more accurate and scalable techno-economic models for cultivated meat production.
COP30: United Nations Climate Change Conference
COP30 Belém brings the world together at a critical moment for global transformative climate action. Join GFI and other alternative protein experts at this historic event!
Supporting growers and rural communities: resilience through protein diversification
Event description This fall, GFI and Pulse Canada are partnering to launch The Pulse Chain: From Growers to Global Protein Markets, an interactive webinar series that brings growers and food…
The 7th Industrializing Cultivated Meat & Seafood Summit
GFI’s Elliot Swartz, Ph.D., will share insights at the 7th Industrializing Cultivated Meat & Seafood Summit in Boston. Join Elliot and other experts as they discuss R&D innovations that can…
Building Your Alt Protein Career
Discover academic and industry career paths in the alternative protein sector, and get inspired by real-world experiences and actionable advice from our guest speaker.
