{"id":42161,"date":"2022-11-02T19:56:02","date_gmt":"2022-11-02T19:56:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greenschoolsgreenfuture.org\/?p=42161"},"modified":"2025-09-04T23:33:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T23:33:08","slug":"mushroom-powered-proteins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greenschoolsgreenfuture.org\/fr\/mushroom-powered-proteins\/","title":{"rendered":"Mushroom Meat: A Promising Alternative Protein"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

As the alternative protein industry continues to grow, innovative companies are trying out new techniques. You’ve heard of the Impossible Burger and Beyond Meat. But how about mushrooms?<\/p>

How Mushrooms Become Meat<\/strong><\/h2>

When using mushrooms to create alternative protein, the key is the mycelium, which is the root-like structure of fungi, to make meat.<\/p>

When fermented with nutrients, the mycelium turns into mycoprotein, a dough-like mass with a texture similar to meat.\u00a0<\/p>

Benefits of Mycelium-Based Meat<\/strong><\/h2>

1. Lower costs<\/strong><\/h3>

Fermenting mycelium is less costly than most plant-based techniques because it’s more scalable.\u00a0<\/p>

2. Eco-friendly<\/strong><\/h3>

Compared to traditional meat, producing mushroom meat takes up less land and water. The process also leaves a smaller carbon footprint. A study published in Nature found that if 20% of beef was replaced with fungi protein, global deforestation would decrease by a whole 50%.\u00a0<\/p>

As a bonus, mycelium is also nutritious, providing essential vitamins and fibre to your diet.\u00a0<\/p>

The Leaders in Mycelium Protein\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>

In the US, companies such as MyForest Foods, and Meati are finding success with mushroom meat.<\/p>

MyForest Foods’s MyBacon, which is mycelium-based bacon, is set to be released in retail stores. They are also opening a mycelium production facility to make as much as 3 million pounds of MyBacon. The company has also partnered with Whitecrest Mushrooms, a Canadian mushroom farm.<\/p>

Meati specializes in mycelium-based chicken and steak. After recently closing a $150 million Series C funding, they are expanding and rolling out to Sprouts Farmers Market locations in the US. Unlike many other meatless steaks and cutlets, Meati’s mycelium-based options are good for those with wheat or soy allergies.\u00a0<\/p>

A Promising Market<\/strong><\/h2>

Globally, the mycelium market<\/a> is projected to be valued at $1 billion by 2032. Meanwhile, in 2021, big names in plant-based meat, including Beyond Meat and Maple Leaf Foods, saw lower sales than expected.\u00a0<\/p>

As consumers continue to fuel demand for healthy food, ethical food production, and sustainability, mushrooms may be a promising way to keep both people and the planet healthy.<\/p>

References:<\/strong><\/p>

A meaty look into mushrooms and mycelia<\/a><\/blockquote>