Mushroom-legume-based alternative chicken nuggets: Physico-chemical and sensory properties

The consumer demand for meat analogs (MAs) is on the rise. Soy proteins are frequently used as the primary ingredient in MAs, but soybean may negatively impact human health and cognitive functions. The aim of this research was to develop alternative chicken nuggets using mushroom and chickpea flour. Effect of different sources of mushroom and starch in the textural and sensory quality of nuggets were determined. Phoenix mushroom was chosen based on nuggets' textural and sensory qualities. Different ratios of mushroom and chickpea flour (0:70, 15:55, 55:15, and 70:0, w/w) were tested to prepare the nuggets. Based on protein, textural and sensory qualities compared to chicken and commercial plant-based nuggets, the mushroom to flour ratio of 55:15 was chosen. The results showed that tapioca starch-containing nuggets had a better texture and were more palatable to consumers. The processed nuggets demonstrated lower protein (6.88 vs 11.72%, dry wt. basis) but better cooking yield (87.65 vs 85.29%), moisture retention (77.86 vs 75.16%), fat retention (90.55 vs 88.39%) and higher consumer acceptability than commercially available soy-based nuggets. The results of the study suggest that mushroom and chickpea flour may replace soy protein in meat analogs.