Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals Divergent Metabolomes between Three Plant-Based Meat Alternatives and Two Lean Levels of Ground Beef

Untargeted metabolomics was used to characterize the
metabolomes
of soy and pea protein plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) and two
lean levels of ground beef (GB). The results of this study demonstrated
diverse metabolomes between PBMA and GB. Within PBMA, soy and pea
protein products showed divergent metabolomes. Thirty-nine (39) metabolites
were unique to PBMA, and 9 metabolites were unique to GB. Twenty-four
(24) classifications (ClassyFire taxonomy) were defined and differed
between GB and PBMA (FDR P < 0.05). Acyl carnitines,
hydrolyzable tannins, long-chain fatty acids, amino acids and derivatives,
monosaccharides, peptides, flavins, and indoyl carboxylic acids were
more abundant in GB. Metabolite classes such as isoflavones, phenolic
acids, triterpenoids, etc. were more abundant PBMA. Many of the annotated
metabolites have reported bioactivities that can potentially influence
human health as well as flavor/taste. This study provides insight
into the metabolomic profile of ground beef and plant-based meat alternative
products.