Work Package 2 – Modernizing Mediterranean Recipes
The Mediterranean Diet is celebrated for its health benefits and cultural heritage, yet younger generations are increasingly moving away from it. WP2 addresses this challenge by modernizing traditional Mediterranean recipes to make them healthier, sustainable, and appealing for 21st-century consumers, while preserving their cultural identity.
Objectives of WP2
WP2 aims to:
Reformulate 56 traditional Mediterranean recipes into healthier, more sustainable versions.
Reduce allergens, salt, and sugar without compromising authenticity.
Promote awareness of nutritional, cultural, and environmental value.
Approach
Led by the University of Valencia, WP2 brings together experts in food technology, nutrition, proteomics, gastronomy, and culinary sciences across several Mediterranean countries. Key activities include:
Scientific reformulation using gentle cooking, fermentation, and upcycled ingredients.
Freeze-drying and laboratory analyses, including proteomic allergenicity and antioxidant profiling.
AI-assisted assessment of allergenicity and nutritional improvements.
Key achievements
56 recipes modernized and analyzed for nutrition, allergens, and antioxidant capacity.
Development of new local and upcycled ingredients.
Successful cross-country collaboration ensuring standardized, high-quality data.
Scientific outputs under review and presentations at international events.
Impact and next steps
WP2 contributes to healthier eating habits, improved adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, and sustainable food choices. Upcoming activities include:
Completion of all antioxidant and polyphenolic analyses.
Culinary and sensory workshops for students.
Sensory analysis studies in France.
Continued dissemination through publications, congresses, and public events.
se will focus on further dissemination of results, best-practice guidelines and the implementation of the Smart Coach intervention.