Interview with the Next Generation Students!
Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Mareike Ramler, i am 24 years old and study food technology at the university of Bremerhaven. During my master studies I worked as a student assistant at biozoon GmbH
Can you explain us what you did during your internship?
I first analysed various quality characteristics, such as bulk density, residual moisture, solubility and viscosity of the project’s own samples, as well as benchmark products. I then reviewed the use of the samples in existing biozoon products with subsequent preparation and performance of a sensory evaluation. I was also allowed to prepare and participate in a project meeting with German project partners.
My highlight in this project was the development of a vegan spread based on the project’s own yeast protein, which was subsequently tasted by consumers.
Were you aware of the need for alternative proteins before working on the NextGenProteins project?
Through my studies, I had already heard about insects as a potential alternative protein source, but was sceptical at first. Through the NextGenProteins project, however, I became really aware of the health and ecological aspects of these protein sources.
Would you be willing to eat food products with microalgae, insect or single cell proteins in the future?
Absolutely! Due to the health and ecological aspects of these protein sources, I see a lot of potential for the future. I have also learned through the NextGenProteins project that the use of such protein sources does not entail any sensory disadvantage.