Improving textured protein
2020-2022
Dr. Ganjyal is processing novel plant proteins and insoluble fibers to develop better plant-based meat.
PRODUCTION PLATFORM: Plant-based
TECHNOLOGY SECTOR: End product formulation and manufacturing
Project aims
This project evaluates the physicochemical and functional properties of select plant proteins and insoluble dietary fibers derived from fava bean, lentil, and pea. The research develops and optimizes formulation and processing conditions using high-moisture extrusion.
This work will improve the quality of textured pea protein in preparation of soy- and gluten-free plant-based meat products. It also advances our understanding of how ingredient properties and processing conditions influence the final texture of a product.
Principal researcher
Dr. Girish Ganjyal
Associate Professor and Interim Director, School of Food Science, Washington State University, USA
Dr. Ganjyal specializes in extrusion and ingredient functionality and has a deep understanding of current industry needs, available ingredients, and emerging technologies. He has more than 17 years’ industry and academic experience, including more than 10 years’ experience in protein texturization. His research team has experience in extrusion processing and analysis of legume and cereal proteins.
Pea protein research
Thanks to a research grant from the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program of the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Dr. Ganjyal is leading a three-year research project to characterize the physical, chemical, and processing properties of several pea varieties.
View related grant projects
Shear cell technology
GFI grantee Dr. Birgit Dekkers at Rival Foods in The Netherlands is developing shear cell technology to make whole cuts of plant-based meat.
Creating fiber-like structures
Learn how GFI grantee Dr. David Julian McClements is developing an alternative to extrusion for producing plant-based meat at the University of Massachusetts.
Muscle-like structures from pulse proteins
Learn about Dr. Zata Vickers’s research to develop muscle-like structures from pulse proteins to improve the texture of plant-based meat.
Texturizing seaweed proteins
Learn about Dr. Yoav Livney’s work at The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology texturizing seaweed proteins for plant-based seafood.
Explore research opportunities
- Cultivated
- Fermentation
- Plant-Based
Consumer and sensory research to guide alternative fish R&D
Consumer and sensory research can help companies and academic researchers better understand seafood consumers’ needs and desires. Understanding consumers’ needs will allow alternative fish researchers to ask and prioritize the…
- Cultivated
- Fermentation
- Plant-Based
Catalog of animal meat flavors
Creating a catalog of molecules responsible for the characteristic flavor of a species will enable alternative protein product manufacturers to create products that more accurately replicate the sensory experience of…
- Cultivated
- Fermentation
- Plant-Based
Optimizing fat profiles for nutritional and sensory properties
Because alternative meat’s fat content and fatty acid profile can be more easily controlled than conventional meat’s, there is an opportunity to alter fat content for nutritional benefits. Additional research…
Check out related resources
Washington State Department of Agriculture funds critical pea protein research
This research is essential and exciting to ingredient companies, plant-based meat manufacturers, and anyone who wants to eat better pea-based products.
The science of plant-based meat
Learn about the science of plant-based meat. Discover resources and research on the latest technological developments and key scientific questions.