Lab to Table: The Promise of Artificial Proteins

Artificial proteins are reshaping the future of food, medicine, and sustainability, and their story in India is just beginning. Globally, synthetic proteins are revolutionizing industries with lab-created alternatives to natural proteins, addressing environmental, health, and dietary challenges.

While the market in North America and Europe thrives, India's journey is nascent yet promising. With increasing vegetarianism, rising awareness about environmental impact, and evolving dietary needs, artificial protein holds immense potential in India. Despite challenges like public perception and high production costs, advancements in biotechnology and supportive policies could make synthetic proteins a key player in India's sustainable growth.

The global obsession with protein is reaching new heights, fueled by rising demand and market innovation. Traditionally derived from plants and animals, proteins are now entering a new era with the advent of artificial alternatives. This breakthrough in biotechnology is generating significant buzz, with the potential to disrupt industries and redefine sustainable protein production.

Artificial Protein/ Synthetic Protein are lab versions of natural proteins using genetic engineering techniques. Scientists modify DNA of organisms such as yeast to be able to produce specific quantities of  protein, which resemble natural protein.

Artificial proteins are used in various industries such as food, medicines, animal feed and cosmetics. They are used to add more protein in the food for humans and in animal feeds and are a much more cost effective way of adding protein in diets. They are also used in making protein-based medicines and with the help of AI, the companies are able to make artificial proteins so similar to the natural proteins that even AI isn’t able to distinguish them apart. 

There are multiple companies that are making use of these artificial proteins in making food products such as Upside Foods and Avant Meats producing food products through the cultivation of meat in laboratory settings, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. The Singapore Food Agency was the first to approve commercial production and sale of cultivated meat products in December 2020 and in November 2022, FDA and USDA also approved the selling of cultivated meats. Currently, cultivated meats are only approved in Singapore and the US, with Europe potentially being the third with emerging companies in the meat cultivation industry.

In 2022, the global synthetic protein market size was US$ 191.1 million and it is projected to touch US$ 579.6 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 13.1%. Currently, North America is estimated to dominate the synthetic protein market, driven by increasing health & social consciousness and a growing number of people shifting away from omnivorous diets. Artificial proteins, often offering higher protein content, are becoming increasingly appealing due to advancements in research and innovation in food technology. Ongoing developments in creating new products and enhancing food applications are expected to fuel significant market expansion in the coming years.

India’s experience with artificial protein

The Indian government has invested around US$ 1 million so far in smart protein, a subcategory of artificial protein, which is significantly lower compared to developed economies like the US (US$127 million) and the UK (US$ 59 million). Smart protein consists of cultivated, fermentation-derived, plant-based protein. This sector is still nascent in India but with increasing research and development it has enormous potential.

Recognizing the potential of the smart protein industry, the FSSAI has been exploring the need for a regulatory framework for these products in India since 2020, when the sector was still in its early stages. Since then, the number of companies in the space has more than doubled to 113. This includes 97 plant-based companies and over 15 businesses specializing in fermentation-derived and cultivated meat, many of which are in the final stages of R&D and regulatory approvals. Under its Non-Specified Foods regulations, the FSSAI has already granted premarket approvals to select companies for mycoprotein and precision fermentation-derived non-animal whey protein. Additionally, plant-based protein products, classified as proprietary, are already available in the market.

Market Drivers

Increase in Veganism and Vegetarianism

One of the top reasons why artificial proteins are on the rise is due to the fact so many people all over the world are choosing to go vegan and vegetarian. In India, according to the World population review, there are 9% vegans and 29.5% of vegetarians. To fulfill their daily protein requirements, artificial protein is a potential substitute.

Environmental Impact

Livestock operations makeup 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Due to harmful traditional food production practices, There is an increasing need to innovate and try to find ways which would reduce the impact food production has on the environment.

Easier to Consume

Artificial protein is much more easier to ingest and digest than traditional forms of protein. It is usually in a liquid form which is digested quickly by our bodies. Unlike most natural proteins, you don’t need to cook artificial protein and it takes a few minutes to just incorporate in your meals or drinks.

Increase in Synthetic Drugs and Vaccines

As the number of protein based drugs and vaccines increase, it is much more sustainable as AI can make artificial proteins based on the need of the drug or vaccine rather than working with the proteins naturally available. In a growing pharmaceutical country like India, artificial protein could make production of drugs more efficient.

Moving forward

There are also multiple challenges that might hamper the growth of this industry such as the following

• Usually laboratory made products are usually not well perceived by the public since the people aren't aware of what the products are actually made up of and they aren’t able to understand the science behind the development of the product. A study in 2021 showed that most people consider lab grown meat to be significantly less healthy, affordable, safe and also less enjoyable to eat .
• Secondly, there is a high cost of production - creating artificial protein is not cheap at all which would also make the end product higher in close. The public may be hesitant to embrace the product, as natural protein sources such as meat, fish, beans, nuts, and soy are currently more affordable. However, with the growing demand for artificial protein, economies of scale could eventually make it more accessible.
• One significant challenge lies in the slow pace of government policy adjustments, particularly for products like artificial protein, which require thorough investigation and rigorous testing before being approved for public consumption. To address this, swift and actionable policies are essential to ensure both safety and public trust.

In conclusion, Artificial protein represents a transformative development in biotechnology, offering a more sustainable, food safe and environmentally friendly solution to us. Although there might be some challenges ahead when it comes to the artificial protein industry but with regulatory compliance, accessibility and customer acceptance, there is no doubt that this industry will grow much bigger than it is currently. With continuous investment in research and collaboration with stakeholders, there is a possibility that artificial protein will become a cornerstone of a healthier and more sustainable future.

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