Is mycoprotein good for health?: A comprehensive nutritional breakdown

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

With growing interest in sustainable protein sources, mycoprotein has emerged as a popular meat alternative for many diets. A 2019 review published in Current Developments in Nutrition highlights mycoprotein as a nutritious protein source rich in fiber. But is mycoprotein good for health? This article provides a comprehensive overview of its nutritional profile, benefits, and potential risks.

Quick Summary

Mycoprotein, a fungal protein source known by the brand name Quorn, is a high-quality, sustainable meat alternative. It offers nutritional benefits like high protein and fiber content, which aid in satiety, muscle synthesis, and managing cholesterol and insulin levels. While generally safe, some individuals with fungal sensitivities may experience allergic reactions or digestive issues.

Key Points

Nutrient-Dense Composition: Mycoprotein is high in protein and fiber, while also being low in saturated fat and completely free of cholesterol.
High-Quality Protein Source: It contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein, which is beneficial for muscle synthesis and maintenance.
Supports Weight Management: The high fiber content in mycoprotein promotes a feeling of fullness, which can lead to a reduction in overall calorie intake.
Aids Cardiometabolic Health: Studies suggest mycoprotein can help manage blood sugar, reduce the insulin response to meals, and potentially lower cholesterol levels.
Potential for Allergies: As a fungal product, mycoprotein may trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Symptoms can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to more severe allergic responses.
Eco-Friendly Choice: The production of mycoprotein has a significantly lower environmental impact, requiring less land, water, and generating fewer carbon emissions compared to conventional meat production.

What is Mycoprotein?

Mycoprotein is a food product derived from a naturally occurring, filamentous fungus, Fusarium venenatum, that is cultivated through a process of fermentation. The resulting biomass is heat-treated to reduce its ribonucleic acid (RNA) content, ensuring its safety for consumption. The processed material is then mixed with a binder, typically egg albumin, or plant-based alternatives for vegan products, and textured to resemble meat. Quorn is the most widely recognized brand of mycoprotein products, available in various forms such as mince, cutlets, and burgers.

The Nutritional Edge: Mycoprotein's Key Features

One of the most compelling aspects of mycoprotein is its nutritional density. On a wet-weight basis, mycoprotein typically contains a high amount of protein (around 11–15 g per 100 g) and fiber (6–8 g per 100 g). This combination of protein and fiber is particularly beneficial for health. Furthermore, mycoprotein is naturally low in total and saturated fat and contains no cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy alternative to many animal proteins.

Potential Health Benefits of Mycoprotein

Promotes Satiety and Aids in Weight Management: The high fiber content in mycoprotein slows down digestion, helping you feel fuller for longer. Studies have shown that meals containing mycoprotein can lead to reduced energy intake at subsequent meals, which could be a useful tool for weight management.
Supports Muscle Protein Synthesis: Mycoprotein is considered a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for human health. Research has demonstrated that mycoprotein can effectively stimulate muscle protein synthesis, making it beneficial for muscle maintenance and growth, especially for older adults and those who engage in resistance training.
Aids in Blood Sugar and Insulin Control: Several studies have found that mycoprotein can lead to a lower postprandial (after-meal) insulin response compared to chicken, which may help improve insulin sensitivity, particularly in overweight and obese individuals. This is attributed to mycoprotein’s unique fibrous structure, which can slow carbohydrate absorption.
Helps Manage Cholesterol Levels: The fiber content in mycoprotein, which consists of chitin and β-glucan, has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect. The fibrous matrix of mycoprotein can bind to bile salts in the gut, which are then excreted, causing the body to draw upon cholesterol to make more bile salts. One study noted a significant reduction in total and LDL-cholesterol in participants consuming a mycoprotein diet.

Mycoprotein: Considerations and Potential Risks

While generally safe for most people, there are a few important considerations to be aware of before incorporating mycoprotein into your diet.

Allergic Reactions: Mycoprotein is derived from fungus, and while allergic reactions are rare, they can occur, particularly in individuals with pre-existing sensitivities to fungi or molds. Symptoms can range from hives, itching, and swelling to more severe reactions like asthma attacks. A legal settlement has resulted in product labels in the US warning that "Mycoprotein is a mold…There have been rare cases of allergic reactions to products that contain mycoprotein”.
Gastrointestinal Distress: Some people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating mycoprotein. An expert panel convened by Marlow Foods suggested that these issues are likely caused by mycoprotein’s high fiber content, which can speed up transit time in sensitive individuals.
Not Suitable for Infants: Due to its high fiber content and relatively low energy density, mycoprotein foods are not recommended for infants under the age of three, who have higher energy demands for rapid growth.

Comparison: Mycoprotein vs. Common Proteins

To put mycoprotein's nutritional value into perspective, here is a comparison with other common protein sources (per 100g serving, approximate values):


Nutrient	Mycoprotein (wet)	Chicken Breast (cooked, skinless)	Lentils (cooked)	Soy (e.g., firm tofu)
Protein	11-15 g	~31 g	~9 g	~15 g
Fiber	6-8 g	0 g	~8 g	1-2 g
Fat	2-4 g	~3.6 g	<1 g	~8 g
Saturated Fat	Low	Low	Very low	Very low
Cholesterol	0 mg	Yes	0 mg	0 mg
Complete Protein	Yes	Yes	No (contains limiting amino acids)	Yes

Conclusion

Is mycoprotein good for health? For most people, the answer is yes. Mycoprotein offers a nutritious and sustainable protein source that is high in protein and fiber while being low in fat and cholesterol. Its benefits extend to promoting satiety, supporting muscle health, and helping to regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. However, it is essential to consider the potential for allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort, especially for individuals with sensitivities to fungi. As with any food, mycoprotein is best consumed as part of a balanced and varied diet, and paying attention to your body's response is key. As research continues to explore its long-term benefits and mechanisms, mycoprotein remains a valuable alternative protein for those seeking to diversify their diet.

Mycoprotein in a Healthy Diet

When adding mycoprotein to your diet, you can use it in many familiar dishes. Its fibrous texture makes it an excellent substitute for meat in recipes like chili, bolognese sauce, stir-fries, and tacos. The variety of Quorn products, from ground mince to pieces and cutlets, allows for versatility in your cooking. While some products may contain egg whites as a binder, many vegan options are now widely available. Incorporating mycoprotein is an easy and delicious way to increase your intake of high-quality protein and dietary fiber.

Outbound Link: For more in-depth scientific information on the nutritional and health properties of mycoprotein, review the article "Mycoprotein: The Future of Nutritious Nonmeat Protein, a Symposium Review" published by the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mycoprotein is a food product made from the fungus Fusarium venenatum. It is grown via fermentation in large bioreactors, creating a protein-rich biomass that is then processed and textured for food products.

Yes, mycoprotein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine of the essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own. This makes it a high-quality protein source for supporting muscle growth and maintenance.

Yes, one of mycoprotein's most significant nutritional features is its high fiber content. Per 100g, it contains a substantial amount of dietary fiber, much higher than many animal protein sources.

While allergic reactions are rare, they are possible, particularly for people with a sensitivity to fungi or molds. Reported reactions include gastrointestinal issues and, in very rare cases, more severe allergic symptoms.

Mycoprotein is naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat. The high fiber content can help lower total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol by binding to bile salts during digestion.

Mycoprotein-based products are processed foods. The fungus biomass undergoes a fermentation and heating process, and other ingredients like binders and flavorings are added to create a meat-like texture and taste.

Mycoprotein production is highly sustainable. It requires significantly less land and water and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to animal-based proteins like beef or chicken, making it a more eco-friendly choice.