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Plant-Based Meat

This page provides a comprehensive overview of the plant-based meat (PBM) value chain map. It aims to help users understand the workflow involved in plant-based meat production, discusses the various jobs required at each stage, identifies the necessary skills for these roles, and offers guidance on where to acquire such skills. Whether you are a student, a professional looking to transition into the industry, or simply curious about the process, this page will serve as an informative resource. 

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Soybean
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What is Plant-Based Meat?

PBM is an innovative alternative to conventional meat products, designed to mimic the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of animal meat using plant-derived ingredients. PBM products are created using a variety of plant proteins, such as soy, peas, and wheat, which are processed and combined with other natural ingredients to replicate the sensory experience of eating animal meat. Advances in food science and technology have enabled the development of plant-based meats that closely resemble their animal counterparts, appealing to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Why Talent is Needed

The PBM industry is growing rapidly, driven by increasing consumer demand for secure and sustainable food options. To continue this growth and innovation, the industry needs talented professionals from various fields, including food science, nutrition, culinary arts, agricultural science, and food engineering. Experts in plant protein extraction and processing, flavour development, and food texture engineering are particularly crucial to improving the quality and appeal of PBM products. Additionally, marketing, regulatory compliance, and supply chain management are essential to bring these innovative products to market. As the industry evolves, the collaboration of diverse skill sets and expertise will be necessary to overcome technical challenges and meet the evolving preferences of consumers.

Your Impact

Working in the plant-based meat industry offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on both global health and the environment. Producing PBM requires significantly fewer resources than conventional animal farming, leading to a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and land consumption. This shift can contribute to combating climate change and preserving natural ecosystems. On a health level, PBM can offer lower saturated fat and cholesterol compared to animal meat, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. By providing a delicious alternative to conventional meat, professionals in this field are helping to build a more sustainable, healthy, and secure food system for future generations.

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Value Chain Map

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Value Chain Map

This technology value chain map outlines the step-by-step process involved in plant-based meat production. Users can click on each step to learn more about the specific activities, equipment used, and jobs associated with that stage. The map is divided into key stages of development, making it easier to follow the flow of work and understand the intricate processes that bring plant-based meat from conception to market.

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Crop Development and Cultivation
Primary Ingredient Fractionation and Modification
Secondary Ingredient Development
End Product Formulation and Manufacturing

The technology value chain map outlines the step-by-step process involved in plant-based meat production. Users can click on each step to learn more about the specific activities, equipment used, and jobs associated with that stage. The map is divided into key stages of development, making it easier to follow the flow of work and understand the intricate processes that bring plant-based meat from conception to market.

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Job Archetype Map

This section delves into the various job archetypes found within the PBM industry. It provides detailed descriptions of each role and highlights their responsibilities, the skills required, and the typical backgrounds that are a good fit. Additionally, it offers insights on where those looking to enter or advance within the industry can bridge any skills gaps they may have.

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Food technologist - Plant-based meat
Food technologist - Plant-based meat
Food technologist - Plant-based meat
Food technologist - Plant-based meat
Food technologist - Plant-based meat

Food Technologist

Job Role and Functions

Food Technologists play a crucial role in developing and improving plant-based meat products. They formulate and optimise recipes, ensuring the texture, flavour, and nutritional profile of the products meet consumer expectations and regulatory standards. Their responsibilities include conducting research and experiments to innovate new food processing techniques, ensuring food safety, and maintaining quality throughout the production process.

Food Technologists design and execute experiments to test different plant-based ingredients and their interactions. They collaborate with nutritionists to balance the nutritional content, with extrusion operators to achieve the desired texture, and with sensory analysts to refine the product’s flavour profile. Their projects often involve scaling up successful lab formulations to pilot and commercial production scales while troubleshooting any issues that arise during this transition.

The end goal for a Food Technologist is to create high-quality, safe, and appealing plant-based meat products that can compete with conventional meat in terms of taste, texture, and nutritional value. They need a deep understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, and engineering principles. Technical skills in handling food processing equipment, proficiency in laboratory techniques, and familiarity with food safety regulations are essential for their role.

What Background Is a Good Fit for This Job?

University Majors

Food Science & Technology

Material Science

Chemical Engineering

Adjacent Industries

Food Industry

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Beverage Industry

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Specialty Ingredient Industry

Technical Skills

Training Platforms

Training Region

Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC)

Current Aspects of Food Science Research I (Cultured Meat)

This course addresses the key aspects and challenges of cultured meat. Renowned experts such as Mark Post, Carla Molento, and Ana Paula Bastos lead discussions in each session.

Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)

Cellular Agriculture with a Focus on Cultured Meat

An innovative course offering an in-depth analysis of cultured meat production, including its technological processes and environmental implications in the context of cellular agriculture.

Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR)

Global Value Chains of Alternative Proteins

This course examines the rapidly evolving market for alternative proteins, emphasizing the sustainability, efficiency, and resilience of supply chains. With growing demand for ethical and sustainable food, the course provides essential knowledge to lead the transformation of the food industry.

Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR)

Introduction to Cellular Animal Science

A comprehensive introduction to the innovation process in food production, focusing on cultured meat.

Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)

Alternative Proteins: Made from Plants, Fermentation, and Cultured Meat

This course explores the three technological pillars of alternative protein production. It combines theoretical foundations with discussions on the current industry landscape, addressing opportunities and challenges.

We’re actively working to expand this section

Please explore the other courses currently available in your region.

We’re actively working to expand this section

Please explore the other courses currently available in your region.

Tufts University

Cellular Agriculture & Biofabricated Foods

An undergraduate class on cellular agriculture primarily focused on the bioengineering behind cultivated meat.

University of California, Berkeley

Alternative Meat: Product Design & Customer Need Finding

This class serves as a hub where students closely interact with entrepreneurs, companies, venture capitalists, and plant-based organisations, gaining a comprehensive view of the plant-based food space. Students learn the principles of food science applied to the design and production of plant-based foods. Working in teams, they tackle industry challenges to design novel plant-based products.

Temasek Polytechnic (TP) New Course Development

Module on Plant-Based and Cultivated Meat

A comprehensive course on plant-based and cultivated meat for Diploma in Food, Nutrition & Culinary Science students.

University or Hosting Institution: National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM)

Benchtop Bioreactor Operation

This course covers the theoretical and practical aspects of operating mechanically agitated bioreactors (Stirred Tank Reactors – STR), including calibration, configuration, assembly, monitoring, and operation.

University or Hosting Institution: Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA)

Food Extrusion Process Course

Focusing on thermoplastic extrusion technology, this course explores its applications in food processing, including the preparation of aerated expanded products, textured proteins, meat analogues, baby food, and animal feed.

We’re actively working to expand this section

Please explore the other courses currently available in your region.

We’re actively working to expand this section

Please explore the other courses currently available in your region.

We’re actively working to expand this section

Please explore the other courses currently available in your region.

We’re actively working to expand this section

Please explore the other courses currently available in your region.

Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and Bühler Short Course

Extrusion and Texture-Characterisation of Plant-Based Meat Formulations

Offers theory and practical training on extrusion techniques and texture characterisation, including hands-on experience with texture profile analysers and rheometers.

Singapore Polytechnic (SP) Short Course

Formulating Plant-Based Meat Products

Trains participants in formulating plant-based meat products, featuring a 3-month mentor-guided project for hands-on learning.

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

FoodTech in Hebrew University of Jerusalem

A local Israeli programme funded by the Israeli Innovation Authority and additional bodies, designed to increase the amount of skilled personnel for FoodTech.

University of California, Davis

Cultivated Meat Short Course: Cultivated Meat 101

A virtual short course covering topics related to the development of cultivated meat, including research challenges, the structure and physiology of meat, cell lines and media development, product development and regulatory considerations, nutrition, quality and consumer preferences, and techno-economic analyses.

National Institute of Industrial Technology of Argentina (INTI)

Plant-Based Food Elaboration Technology

This course provides technical knowledge on formulating and processing plant-based foods resembling meat and dairy products. It is aimed at food industry professionals, researchers, students, and entrepreneurs interested in plant-based food technology.

National Service for Industrial Training (SENAI) PR

Course on Alternative Proteins

A refresher course designed for educators, equipping them with expertise in the field of alternative proteins.

University or Hosting Institution: National Service for Industrial Training (SENAI) SP

Bioreactor Operator

This professional specialization course trains operators in handling benchtop bioreactors for microorganism multiplication and biomolecule production. It includes preparing solutions, inocula, and culture media, as well as controlling fermentation processes while adhering to health, safety, and environmental standards.

We’re actively working to expand this section

Please explore the other courses currently available in your region.

We’re actively working to expand this section

Please explore the other courses currently available in your region.

We’re actively working to expand this section

Please explore the other courses currently available in your region.

We’re actively working to expand this section

Please explore the other courses currently available in your region.

We’re actively working to expand this section

Please explore the other courses currently available in your region.

Bridge2Food

Plant-Based Proteins & Foods Course Americas

This course is designed for professionals in the food industry who want to learn more about the properties, functionalities, and applications of a broad range of plant-based proteins, as well as obtain practical know-how and insights into their use in foods.

We’re actively working to expand this section

Please explore the other courses currently available in your region.

We’re actively working to expand this section

Please explore the other courses currently available in your region.

The Good Food Institute (GFI)

The Protein Transition

Hosted by GFI, this open-access, self-paced online course explores the science behind alternative proteins. Across five modules, learners will delve into the biological and chemical processes involved in producing plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat. The course also examines the environmental and economic drivers behind these emerging market sectors.

The Good Food Institute (GFI)

The Protein Transition

Hosted by GFI, this open-access, self-paced online course explores the science behind alternative proteins. Across five modules, learners will delve into the biological and chemical processes involved in producing plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat. The course also examines the environmental and economic drivers behind these emerging market sectors.

We’re actively working to expand this section

Please explore the other courses currently available in your region.

Cell Ag Germany

Cellular Agriculture Starter Culture (CASC)

A webinar series introducing the fundamentals of cellular agriculture. Recordings are available on their YouTube channel. Language: Part German, part English.

We’re actively working to expand this section

Please explore the other courses currently available in your region.

Alt Protein Project at EIT Food

Fundamentals Programme

An online course providing foundational knowledge on alternative proteins to gain a more profound understanding of the scientific and sociopolitical challenges in the field. Language: English.

The Good Food Institute (GFI)

The Protein Transition

Hosted by GFI, this open-access, self-paced online course explores the science behind alternative proteins. Across five modules, learners will delve into the biological and chemical processes involved in producing plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat. The course also examines the environmental and economic drivers behind these emerging market sectors.

The Good Food Institute (GFI)

The Protein Transition

Hosted by GFI, this open-access, self-paced online course explores the science behind alternative proteins. Across five modules, learners will delve into the biological and chemical processes involved in producing plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat. The course also examines the environmental and economic drivers behind these emerging market sectors.

The Good Food Institute (GFI)

The Protein Transition

Hosted by GFI, this open-access, self-paced online course explores the science behind alternative proteins. Across five modules, learners will delve into the biological and chemical processes involved in producing plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat. The course also examines the environmental and economic drivers behind these emerging market sectors.

Discover more global alternative protein courses and programmes through GFI’s comprehensive Alternative Protein Course Database.

Industry Careers

Use this database to find up-to-date listings of available positions in the alternative protein ecosystem, including at GFI’s international affiliates. We also recommend exploring the Tälist and Alt Protein Careers job boards, which highlight a vast array of high-impact opportunities in the field.

Illustration of a scientist holding a Petri dish and a pipette, alongside an engineer with a clipboard and wrench, both in lab coats and safety gear.
Application scientist - Plant-based meat
Application scientist - Plant-based meat
Application scientist - Plant-based meat
Application scientist - Plant-based meat
Application scientist - Plant-based meat
Extrusion operator - Plant-based meat
Extrusion operator - Plant-based meat
Extrusion operator - Plant-based meat
Extrusion operator - Plant-based meat