DELICIOUS project to innovate plant-based dairy alternatives in Europe

On 12-13 December 2024, the DELICIOUS project officially kicked off at Fundació Alícia in Barcelona, Spain. The European innovation initiative, supported by the Horizon Europe program, aims to advance plant-based dairy alternatives by addressing key challenges related to taste, texture, and nutritional value.

The DELICIOUS project comes at a time when the global plant-based food market is projected to reach €40 billion by 2027. With increasing consumer interest in sustainable and healthier diets, plant-based dairy alternatives are positioned to play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The EU has set ambitious targets to cut emissions by 55%, and shifting dietary patterns toward plant-based options is a critical part of achieving this goal.

Led by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, DELICIOUS aims to develop innovative production technologies that combine microbial fermentation with plant-based raw materials. This approach will focus on producing affordable, safe, and tasty dairy alternatives such as plant-based cheese and kefir. The project aims to reduce the environmental impact of dairy production by up to 30% compared to conventional processes.

“By integrating advanced technology with consumer insights, we aim to accelerate the shift towards plant-based diets and set a new standard for the plant-based dairy industry,” said Charilaos Xiros, Project Coordinator. The use of high-throughput screening and machine learning will enhance the sensory properties and nutritional profile of plant-based dairy products, making them more appealing to consumers.

The DELICIOUS consortium includes 17 partners from nine countries, representing research institutions, universities, SMEs, large companies, and industry associations. The project’s four-year timeline is backed by a €5 million budget. The collaboration aims to create solutions that benefit both consumers and the broader fermentation industry by providing advanced bioinformatic tools and sustainable production models.

Participants in the project are focused on developing plant-based dairy products that are not only nutritious but also meet consumer expectations for taste and texture. By leveraging microbial fermentation, DELICIOUS seeks to bridge the gap between traditional dairy and plant-based alternatives.

Despite the growing popularity of plant-based foods, plant-based dairy alternatives still represent a small segment of the overall dairy market. Taste, texture, and nutritional challenges have hindered broader adoption. DELICIOUS aims to address these issues head-on, making plant-based dairy products more competitive and accessible.

The project’s goal is to reduce reliance on conventional dairy production, which is associated with significant environmental impacts. By offering sustainable alternatives, DELICIOUS supports the transition to a bio-based economy and aligns with European sustainability goals.

The project’s use of cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning and high-throughput screening will streamline the development of new products. These tools will help identify optimal combinations of plant-based ingredients and fermentation processes to improve taste, texture, and nutritional quality.

In addition to product development, DELICIOUS aims to provide the fermentation industry with tools to enhance efficiency and sustainability. By developing scalable production models, the project will help both small and large enterprises adopt innovative plant-based solutions.

Over the next four years, DELICIOUS will deliver plant-based dairy alternatives that are affordable, nutritious, and environmentally friendly. The project’s outcomes will contribute to the growing market for sustainable food solutions and support the broader goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The collaboration between research institutions, industry partners, and technology experts ensures that DELICIOUS is well-positioned to drive innovation in the plant-based dairy sector. By addressing current challenges and leveraging advanced technologies, the project aims to make plant-based dairy a mainstream option for consumers across Europe.