WORLD TRENDS AND DOMESTIC EXPERIENCE IN THE USE OF PLANT AND ANIMAL PROTEIN SOURCES IN THE FORMATION OF MILITARY RATIONS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The diet of military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who are in extreme conditions, needs to be improved in order to provide the military with macro– and microelements as completely as possible. A significant role is played by the protein component in Ready-to-Eat products. The purpose of the study: through information search, to determine the most accessible raw sources of protein of animal and plant origin in the form of concentrates, to conduct their analytical assessment, which will allow to scientifically substantiate the concept of creating a special-purpose protein-energy bar based on combined protein systems. Methods: A set of research methods was applied, including system, comparative, and monitoring analysis, generalization, and systematization of scientific publications in military nutrition, food chemistry, and specialized food technology. Regulatory documents (specifically, Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 426) and international experience in formulating individual combat rations in NATO armed forces (MRE, IMP, ORP programs) were analyzed. Results: Modern requirements for compact specialized Ready-to-Eat products and intermediate moisture foods for field rations were systematized. The technological advantages and constraints of utilizing dairy isolates (whey protein, micellar casein) and plant concentrates were evaluated. It was demonstrated that forming a composite protein matrix based on animal protein hydrolysate/isolate and plant protein concentrates (specifically, domestic sunflower and pea concentrates) yields a pronounced synergistic effect. This approach allows optimizing the amino acid profile (evaluated by DIAAS), increasing biological value, and preventing undesirable rheological and structural degradation (hardening and fat phase separation) during long-term storage across temperatures from -20 to +40 °C for at least 24 months. The utilization of domestic plant raw materials creates prerequisites for significant production cost reduction and import substitution, making this direction essential for the security and defense sector food supply. Conclusions: A theoretical background was established for the subsequent experimental phase involving formulation modeling of a special-purpose protein-energy bar, determination of its rheological, structuralmechanical, microbiological, and organoleptic characteristics, and assessment of lipid and protein complex stability during accelerated aging and extended storage.