Exploring off-flavour compounds in soy-based meats: Mechanisms and removal methods

Plant-based meat is projected to address world-wide meat shortage and supply–demand imbalances, potentially promoting the growth of sustainable diet choices. Soybean is a key ingredient to produce this alternative food, but the off-flavours that naturally occur in soy can hinder its widespread acceptance among consumers. This review extensively elaborates on the primary compounds responsible for off-flavours, their formation mechanisms, and removal techniques. Lipoxygenase oxidation–reduction, oleosins removal, adjustment extrusion conditions, and β-cyclodextrin treatment were discussed. Fermentation mechanisms, solvent extraction, enzymes hydrolysis, flavouring, and controlling storage conditions were summarised. The most crucial, safe, and effective techniques were enzyme restriction, β-cyclodextrin treatment in conjugation with phospholipase A2, and modification of the extrusion condition. The reviews provide a systematic summary of the development and prevention methods for the undesirable flavour of soy protein isolate and soy-based meat products.