US army's search for plant proteins
The military is looking for more plant-based proteins to add to soldiers' rations.
The US military's Combat Feeding Division (CFD) is “seeking information from industry and academia on capabilities related to alternative proteins,” according to a recent Sources Sought Announcement.
The announcement has called for submissions regarding the alternative protein sector for more lightweight options that come with a longer shelf life and can be produced in combat environments. This would allow soldiers to produce their own food in situations where logistics may be complicated.
Nutrition and palatability are also among the requirements, with technologies such as precision fermentation being of particular interest.
The army has asked industry partners and contractors to conduct consumer testing and offer samples of potential products to be potentially implemented in its rations.
“The U.S. Army is exploring how the emerging alternative-protein sector can help meet several objectives, including enhancing food supply chain resilience, enabling biomanufacturing of foodstuffs in combat-forward environments, and providing tailored, high-quality nutrition to the Warfighter,” said the announcement.
Recent research conducted by Mercy for Animals polled more than 200 military personnel across all US military branches and ranks. It revealed that more than 80 percent of US military personnel would like increased plant-based options.
“Our research suggests service members are aware of the nutritional and environmental impact of their food choices,” commented Dr. Courtney L. Dillard, MFA’s social change researcher and the study’s lead researcher.
As the US military continues to seek ways to best support the overall health and diverse needs of its loyal service members, we’re calling on lawmakers to require all branches of the military to provide plant-based MRE options.”
Nearly 60 percent of participants were omnivores, but over 20 percent were looking to reduce their consumption of animal-derived products. Flexitarians came in at 5.3 percent, vegetarians at 7.5 percent, and vegans at 3.5 percent. The smallest demographic was pescatarians, with only 1.8 percent.
Sustainability was among the top concerns found by the study - approximately 70 percent of respondents would choose more sustainable food options if available.
Health benefits were also a priority: over half of respondents were aware of the health advantages of plant-based foods over animal-derived counterparts.
Last year, the Combat Feeding Division announced that it would replace all vegetarian MREs (meals ready to eat) with fully plant-based, vegan options by 2027, meaning that millions of vegan meals would be served. This time, the Sources Sought Announcement has mentioned a deadline of May 15 for information, suggesting that further developments may follow quickly.
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