Unlocking the potential of oats through innovative processing for sustainable protein diversification in Europe

Objective

Europe needs sustainable and locally produced protein sources to reduce dependence on imported plant proteins, especially soya, which is associated with deforestation, GMOs and high transport emissions. Oats are widely cultivated in Europe and provide high-quality, gluten-free proteins but their poor functional properties limit broader use. High-moisture extrusion technology (HME) creates fibrous textures, yet oat proteins remain constrained by low solubility and weak gels at food-relevant pH. Oat β-glucans (OBG) may stabilise protein networks, while pulsed electric field (PEF) has improved protein functionality in other crops, but their combined effect on oats has never been explored. This represents a major knowledge gap in advancing oat-based alternatives. FibraOat will unlock the potential of oat protein concentrates (OPC) by combining them with OBG and applying PEF as a clean, resource-efficient tool to improve techno-functionality. Together with HME, this approach will enable fibrous, oat-based meat and cheese alternatives. The project will: (1) study OBG–OPC interactions under HME-like conditions; (2) optimise PEF treatment to enhance protein functionality; and (3) benchmark OPC extrudates against commercial soy-based extrudates and assess pilot scalability of promising formulations. A 3-month secondment to Teagasc (Ireland) will provide access to a benchtop extruder and strengthen expertise in applied food processing. FibraOat will generate transferable knowledge and scalable methods that will open new opportunities for oat-based food innovation. By linking molecular science and processing, the project will provide industry and policy makers with robust evidence to accelerate the transition to sustainable and resilient protein systems. For the fellow, it ensures advanced interdisciplinary training, international mobility and career prospects in food innovation, while contributing to the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy.