Existing food processing classifications overlook the phytochemical composition of processed plant-based protein-rich foods.

ABSTRACT: According to existing food processing classification systems, plant-based protein-rich (PBPR) foods are often considered 'ultra-processed'-and therefore perceived as unhealthy-despite their ability to provide various bioactive compounds beneficial for human health. Here we used a non-targeted metabolomics approach to analyse the impact of processing on the biochemical composition of PBPR foods. Our results show that existing food classification systems may provide questionable categories for PBPR foods without considering their overall biochemical composition, including phytochemicals. An analysis focusing specifically on biochemical compounds of soy-based products manufactured using various technologies showed no clear distinctions between processing groups in the principal component anal

SUBMITTER: Raita J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12116385 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature