Biz Buzz (Alternative Food Sources)
In the wake of the food crisis and supply-chain disruptions affecting different parts of the world, it becomes highly imperative to investigate if vital food replacements can be the perfect answer to narrow the gap between the well-fed and the empty stomachs? Environmental activists, climate-change crusaders, food techies and nutritionists look for ways to find alternative food agents for a concrete solution.
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| Aniish Shah at an agricultural farm. He advocates sustainable and regenerative farming techniques. |
By PRAMITA BOSE
Highlighting the essential quality of ruminant animals, functional nutritionist Mugdha Pradhan reports that “these creatures can help grow back green pastures from barren lands and aid in the proper functioning of the grassland ecosystems to boost the cycling of nutrients well. Regenerative agriculture engages in sustainable rearing of ruminant animals and is a proven route to restore badlands to fertility.”
Noted environmentalist Allan Savory’s works, she cites, extensively establish this fact and teach people the ways to implement it. “Even the Sacred Cow info-series by the duo RD Diana Rogers (paleo/primal nutritional therapist and an organic farmer) and Robb Wolf (former research biochemist, health expert and author of the New York Times bestselling The Paleo Solution) is a great endeavour to show how consuming animal foods can be beneficial for the environment,” she acknowledges. Incidentally, Pradhan is also the CEO & founder of iThrive, a Pune-based health and wellness startu
Relief Packages for Strife-Torn Countries
Economists envisage how the International Monetary Fund or the World Bank can lend credit to the war-ravaged nations to procure alternative sources of sustenance from the countries that are super economic giants. “Well, loan programs could provide a great incentive. Concessional loans or grants can be dispensed to purchase alternative food sources and invest in domestic production to help mitigate the crisis and save victims from famines and starvation deaths. Moreover, technical assistance might lead to capacity building in alternative food technologies and sustainable agricultural practices,” instructs finance trainer Aswini Bajaj, who doubles up as the CEO of Leveraged Growth, a niche business consultancy firm.
Support From Superpowers
Bajaj adds that “financial sops could offer immediate relief to salvage the situation and act as a long-term backing for alternative food access and production in countries facing geopolitical conflicts. Through technology transfer, first-world nations may share their knowledge and expertise in alternative food technologies with the developing countries.”
Urgency of Climate Action
With the constant aggravation of climate change and global warming issues refusing to relent, can alternative food derivatives alleviate the supply-chain disturbances and food crises around the world?
“Alternative protein sources like plant-based and cultured meat have lower environmental footprints than traditional livestock farming, which accounts for 2/3rd of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture,” updates Bajaj. “Vertical farming and other innovative cultivation techniques can reduce land use for food production with an ability to generate closely 49% more food without extra cropland and minimal water usage. Alternative food systems have higher resilience to adapt to climate-change impacts like droughts and floods,” he further elaborates.
Role of the Food Industry
Fitness expert Deepti Sharma thinks that “it is important for us to adopt a holistic approach to health and follow a well-balanced, nutritious diet chart through careful choices in food consumption.”
Swathi Gopalakrishan, founder & CEO of Protivore, an IIM Bangalore start-up supported by NSRCEL, a leading incubation centre for startups, emerging businesses and women entrepreneurs in India, sides with the restaurateurs and hoteliers’ task of integrating locally-accessible alternative food elements in tossing up delicacies to woo the palates from all walks of life.
“While this may not result in immediate cost control in the kitchen but it does help transform societal and environmental norms. Individuals may find it difficult to procure alternative products from stores due to their short market supply and be also hesitant to cook them at home and try the items beforehand. Hence, food stations are the best place for gourmets to sample such offbeat dishes,” she elucidates.
For those not in the loop, Protivore is a rapidly-growing plant-based meat company providing soy-free protein alternatives. It is a pioneering entity in redefining the plant-based meat landscape with its commitment to delivering an array of innovative, sustainable and delicious protein staples.
Prevention of Preservatives
Many may ponder over the point if it’s a healthy idea to add preservatives to food to improve its quality and increase its shelf life.
“In earlier days, food was preserved using traditional practices like sun drying, oils, salt, sugar, pickling, etc, thus almost retaining the nutritional and health quotient,” reminds Aniish Shah, founder of Earth Harvests, a direct-to-consumer food brand focused on delivering premium grade and chemical-free fruits and vegetables, spices, superfoods and other home staples to consumers who value quality.
“Of late, traditional practices have been replaced by artificial and chemical additives, which though have increased the storage duration of use but have caused hormonal imbalances and health problems,” he rues. “Therefore, for posterity's sake, we must look at regulating artificial and chemical interference in our systems to build a healthy nation,” he pleads.
Nutritious Indulgence
Listing the nutrients found in alternative food sources to keep one fit and fine, chef and entrepreneur Harish Closepet, more famous as Harry's Lunchbox (his Instagram identity), says: “My alternative menu is a nutrient-rich delight, offering iodine from seaweed and essential amino acids from plant-based proteins, promoting overall well-being in the process.”
According to Sharma, alternative food sources can provide a plethora of essential nutrients. “Plant-based options, for example, are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants. Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats, while beans and lentils provide a good protein alternative,” she imparts.
Alternative Foods to Healthify
In the era of processed and packaged food, and synthetic energisers, the very relevant query that automatically surfaces is how essential alternative food sources could be in positively impacting human health.
“Natural, unprocessed alternatives counterbalance modern diets swamped with junk food, boosting health and vitality in turn,” briefs Closepet.
Alternative food sources play a pivotal role in aiding human health. Unprocessed, organic foods are often more nutrient-dense and can contribute to overall health and happiness. “By decreasing excessive reliance on processed and packaged foods, individuals can curb their intake of additives, preservatives and those extra doses of sugar, thus making way for better health outcomes in the long haul,” advises Sharma.
At a time when processed and packaged foods have a dominating presence all over, alternative food sources could come as a big respite in improving the health report of the commoners. “Many processed foods are heavily crammed with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, fillers, preservatives and additives, eventually inducing issues like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Ultra-processed meals typically taste delicious and are light on the consumers’ pockets but the same might contain substances considered extremely unhealthy or harmful,” alerts Gopalakrishan.
Healing Touch
Many alternative food items could have therapeutic or medicinal properties to uplift one’s physical, mental and spiritual health.
“There are both solid and liquid intakes packed with nutrients. Well, it could range from healing teas to nutrient-loaded smoothies. I try and integrate therapeutic alternatives like turmeric and matcha, promoting physical as well as mental well-being,” instances Closepet.
Many alternative food items indeed possess curative elements, affirms Sharma. “Turmeric, for example, has anti-inflammatory properties, while green tea is known for its antioxidant benefits. Incorporating herbs, spices and medicinal mushrooms into diets could contribute to both physical and mental health,” she assures.
Alternative Snack Packs for Gen-Z
Given that the Gen-Z is primarily a snacking generation and is largely fond of the feel-good comfort food associated with simple, traditional home-cooking and nostalgic sweet childhood goodies, foodologists reflect on what wholesome alternative titbits could be ideal for them to tuck into.
“Gen-Z's ideal snacks may include kale chips, chia pudding and fruit-infused waters, which could amply be a wholesome and satisfying affair for the snack-loving generation,” apprises Closepet.
“Gen-Z's preference for snacking presents an excellent opportunity to introduce some salubrious alternatives,” gathers Sharma. She mentions that “snacks like fruit slices, vegetable sticks with hummus and mixed nuts can provide dollops of both nutrition and satisfaction. Additionally, yogurt parfaits with granola and fresh berries or smoothie bowls are excellent choices for a nutritious treat.”
Masala nut mix featuring roasted almonds, cashews, pista (pistachio) and peanuts seasoned with Indian spices provides a protein-rich and flavorful snacking option. Greek yogurt or curd paired with Indian fruits like bananas, mangoes or pomegranates creates a delightful fusion. Spiced roasted chickpeas, spiced makana, spiced peanuts infused with cumin, coriander and chaat masala offer a crunchy and protein-packed alternative. Puff made from jowar, chickpea, quinoa and other innovative snacks consisting of millets like cookies, mixtures and chips are also gaining much attraction. Tikkas in paneer, mushroom and pineapple variety showcase grilled and marinated forms of fruits and veggies, while fruits with aromatic spices add a much-coveted savoury twist to the snacking tray.
Blissful Bite of Goodness
People nowadays eat on the go with bite-sized portions, attuned to a fast-paced lifestyle. When quizzed about the perfect alternative food sources to woo this target segment, Closepet replies: “Bite-sized delicacies align with speedy lifestyles. Quinoa bites, lentil crackers and veggie skewers make for a convenient, on-the-go indulgence.”
Recognizing the changing lifestyles of individuals, hassle-free and portable alternative food sources became quite indispensable in the eyes of fitness enthusiasts in recent times. “Protein bars, pre-cut fruit packs and trail mix are perfect options for those who are out and about and need a quick, energy-boosting snack for instant gratification,” guides Sharma.
Gopalakrishan analyses that “this category can be tapped into by offering them plant-based meat snacks in different forms, such as protein rolls, wraps or protein yogurts/smoothies, thereby serving up a rapid, nutritious dish when running hectic schedules.”
Protein bars are a much-touted quick snack because of their easy movement. Other hot-favourite alternatives are freeze-dried veggies and fruit chips providing a mouthful of munchy and tasty snack in line with the ‘healthifying’ factor. Furthermore, single-serve smoothie pouches, travel-apt soups, millet semolina/upma or non-maida/flour noodles may win the hearts of those living out of a suitcase and who want to enjoy a clean meal when delivered in small easy-to-carry containers.
Tropical Garden of Alternative Nourishment
Among a slew of alternative crops that could be grown in a kitchen garden or sown as part of organic farming, basil, kale and edible flowers thrive as perfect and popular choices for a homegrown, organic plantation of goodness. Pradhan feels otherwise and prefers to grow what is local and seasonal. “Opt for heirloom seeds and organic manure,” she chips in.
Given India’s tropical climatic zone, a few good alternative food sources could be best availed from its soil. “Coconut-based dishes, tropical fruits and locally-grown spices rustle up a tasty alternative experience for me,” reckons Closepet.
Experts urge that India's tropical climatic condition provides an ideal environment for developing a range of alternative foods that proliferate in warm temperatures. “While we traditionally rely on rice and wheat, branching out to other crop options would be a wiser decision to bridge the gaps in sprouting a variety on the fields. Hence, it is advisable to carefully diversify the planting area to supplement the output,” endorses Gopalakrishan.
An array of legume species, such as soybean, cowpea, peanut, common beans, pea, lentil and chicken pea, is either domestically grown or cultivated for mass consumption. These alternative food sources adapt to the local climate, supporting sustainable agriculture and ensuring an assorted nutritious platter for the population.
Meanwhile, Pradhan attempts to divert the general attention from alternative produce to domestic and seasonal crops that she thinks can take care of everything. “India has a rich trove of millets like jowar, ragi and bajra under cereal grains, which is a great value-addition to health as well as the environment,” she pushes for. She also presses for “prioritising crop rotation over heavy dependence on a specific set as well as adhering to organic and sustainable farming techniques to avoid chemical intrusions.”
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