The present study comprehensively compared the physicochemical, structural, and flavor properties of an optimized saturated steam-assisted texturized plant protein (ssTPP) with boneless breast chicken (bbCKN) to evaluate its potential as a meat analogue. Texture analysis indicated that ssTPP exhibited a firmer texture with higher hardness (107.14 N) and chewiness (62.98 N mm−1) than chicken (92.87 N and 54.99 N mm−1, respectively), while maintaining comparable shear strength (ssTPP: 17.85 N, bbCKN: 20.92 N). Proximate composition revealed a higher protein content (39.16 %) and lower fat (0.30 %) in ssTPP when compared to bbCKN (29.87 % protein, 3.63 % fat). Flavor profiling by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Electronic-nose confirmed the presence of key meat-like volatiles, such as hexanal and (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, in ssTPP. Notably, ssTPP exhibited a significantly higher Equivalent Umami Concentration (10.03 g Monosodium glutamate equivalents/100 g) than chicken (6.27 g/100 g). Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy demonstrated comparable secondary structure rearrangements upon cooking, with ssTPP displaying 39.85 % β-sheets and 20.25 % α-helix. Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed a pseudo-fibrous, protein-dense network resembling the microstructures of cooked muscle fibers. Thermal analysis by Differential Scanning Calorimetry showed denaturation peaks at 73.22 °C (ssTPP) and 77.51 °C (bbCKN). Moreover, the ssTPP formulation exhibited a remarkably lower carbon footprint (2.81 kg CO2e/kg) than chicken and other widely consumed meats such as beef, pork, and lamb, making it a sustainable alternative. These findings affirm the potential of ssTPP as a nutritionally dense, texturally and sensorially matching plant-based meat analogue, with strong industrial application prospects and relevance for consumer markets seeking sustainable, high-protein, low-fat meat alternatives.
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