Mycoprotein: A Fungal Protein for Modern Diets
Marina Axentii, Jiyan Aslan Ceylan, Roxanne Valle, Matthew E. Smith, andJuan E. Andrade Laborde
Mycoprotein is a protein-rich food ingredient produced from fungi through controlled biomass fermentation. It is gaining attention as part of diversified, modern diets. Unlike proteins derived from plants and animals, mycoprotein comes from fungi. The name mycoprotein references fungal mycelium, the naturally fibrous growth structure of fungi. Mycoprotein is consumed as whole fungal biomass rather than as an extracted protein isolate. It has a unique nutritional profile that combines protein, essential amino acids, and dietary fiber, while being low in saturated fat and free of cholesterol. As interest in sustainable food choices that support both human health and environmental stewardship has grown, mycoprotein has emerged as a potential contributor to resilient food systems.
