Sunflower flour paves the way! A new era for plant-based meat base ingredients

1. Introduction

In recent years, the development of plant-based foods, particularly alternative meat products, has accelerated globally. This trend is driven by concerns over climate change, animal welfare, and a growing health consciousness. Amidst this, a joint research team from Brazil and Germany is focusing on "sunflower meal." This is a byproduct that remains after extracting oil from sunflower seeds, and it is gaining attention due to its abundance. Traditionally used in animal feed and fertilizers, this material is being transformed into a new edible resource for humans.

2. Production and Characteristics of Sunflower Meal

• Removal of oils and unwanted components: Phenolic compounds and shells derived from seeds are removed to improve digestibility and neutralize color and odor, resulting in a bland taste.phys.org

• Non-GMO: The sunflowers used in the research are not genetically modified, providing reassurance to consumers.

3. Application to Alternative Meat

The research developed two types of products:

3.1 Roasted Powder Version

• A mini-burger product featuring roasted sunflower meal for a toasty flavor

• Attempts to enhance flavor through heat treatment, but the structure is somewhat weak

3.2 Textured Protein (TP) Version

• Reproducing fibrous structure through extrusion molding

• Excels in texture, offering chewiness and the ability to replicate "meatiness"

4. Nutritional and Health Functions

• Protein: High content

• Lipids: Predominantly monounsaturated fatty acids (derived from olive oil and sunflower oil)

• Minerals: High content of iron 49%, zinc 68%, magnesium 95%, manganese 89%phys.org

• Amino Acid Balance: Ideal composition meeting essential amino acids

5. Sensory and Physical Evaluation

• TP products receive high ratings for mouthfeel and elasticity from food texture sensors

• Positive feedback in taste tests, with a neutral aroma that pairs well with other seasonings

6. Sustainability and Economic Benefits

• Sunflower cultivation is expanding globally (particularly in Brazil and Europe)

• Effective utilization of byproducts in the food processing stage achieves waste reduction and cost compression

• Being Non-GMO supports market introduction

7. Future Challenges and Prospects

• Industrial research on extrusion technology and other methods to further replicate meat-like fibrous structures

• Cost efficiency of mass production, regulatory certification, and consumer acceptance surveys

• Diversification of taste and texture through blending with other plant-based materials and flavors

References and Related Articles

• Tiago Negrão Andrade et al., “Exploring new plant-based products: Acceptance of sunflower meal as a protein source in meat alternative products”, Food Research International (2025).phys.org+4phys.org+4phys.org+4

• Research on the Characteristics and Applications of Sunflower Meal by ACS Journal (Published in February 2025)

• Phys.org: Latest Research Topics on Sunflowers (e.g., Variety Improvement, Disease Resistance)phys.org+2phys.org+2phys.org+2