Soy leghemoglobin (heme) is an iron-containing molecule that makes Impossible Burger taste and look like meat by replicating iron's chemical properties. It's produced through genetic engineering—soy plants don't naturally produce…

Pea protein isolate is extracted from yellow peas through mechanical/chemical separation, resulting in ~80% protein concentrate. Understanding extraction, nutritional profile, and why it's ubiquitous in plant-based products reveals both advantages…

Mycoprotein (brand name Quorn) is protein derived from Fusarium venenatum fungus, produced through fermentation. Understanding its production, nutritional profile, and safety concerns reveals why it's an alternative protein source with…

Plant-based meat's flavor profile differs from animal meat due to fundamentally different chemistry. Meat's umami/savory flavors come from creatine, carnosine, and amino acid degradation during cooking. Plant proteins lack these…