Accurate and reliable multielement analysis of alternative protein foods using ICP-MS

Importance of the topic

Alternative protein foods are gaining global momentum due to environmental, ethical and health concerns associated with conventional meat production. Accurate quantitation of both essential nutrients and trace toxic elements in these diverse matrices is critical for food safety, nutritional labeling and compliance with regulatory limits such as those set by EU Regulation 2023/915 and novel food guidelines.

Study aims and overview

This study demonstrates the application of the Thermo Scientific iCAP RQplus ICP-MS coupled with an iSC-65 Autosampler for rapid, sensitive and reliable multielement analysis in ten alternative protein food types spanning unprocessed pulses, processed plant-based foods, meat analogues, non-dairy milks and an insect-based bar. Twenty-six elements at major, minor and trace levels were quantified in a single two-minute analysis per sample.

Methodology and instrumentation

Microwave-assisted closed-vessel digestion prepared sample aliquots in acid matrices. Calibration employed single-element standards with Au as a Hg stabilizer and internal standards (Sc, In, Tl) introduced online. Key instrumental strategies included:

• Automated Argon Gas Dilution (AGD) for minimizing matrix effects
• Helium collision/reaction cell with kinetic energy discrimination (He-KED)
• Half-mass correction to address doubly charged interferences from lanthanides
• iSC-65 Autosampler with “Step Ahead” for overlapping wash and uptake

Main results and discussion

The method achieved a broad linear range from 0.005 µg·kg⁻¹ (Hg) up to 600,000 µg·kg⁻¹ (Na), with instrument detection limits and method LODs well below regulatory thresholds. Accuracy assessed via NIST SRM 1515, 1547 and 1568b yielded recoveries of 82–109% for most elements; corrected As and Se recoveries ranged 112–120% in high-REE matrices. Robustness testing over >8 hours and >250 samples showed stable internal standard recoveries (85–116%) and consistent CCV recoveries (80–120%). Nutrient profiling revealed high levels of Na in meat analogues (6,200–8,800 mg·kg⁻¹), K, P, Mg and Ca across samples, while toxic elements (Cd, As, Pb, Hg) remained below spec limits.

Benefits and practical applications

The rapid (<2 min/sample), single-mode ICP-MS method offers high sensitivity, accuracy and throughput ideal for QA/QC, regulatory compliance and nutritional analysis of plant-based, insect and novel protein products.

Future trends and opportunities

Integration of advanced interference removal techniques, expanded reference materials for novel matrices and further automation will enhance throughput and data quality. Application to a broader range of food types and coupling with data management platforms supports high-volume laboratory demands.

Conclusion

The iCAP RQplus ICP-MS method with AGD, He-KED and autosampler innovations delivers a robust, fast and accurate solution for comprehensive multielement profiling in alternative protein foods.

Instrumentation used

• Thermo Scientific iCAP RQplus ICP-MS with argon gas dilution
• Thermo Scientific iSC-65 Autosampler
• Milestone Ethos microwave digestion system
• Thermo Scientific Qtegra ISDS Software with Instrument Health Monitoring

References

1. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on maximum levels of contaminants in food.
2. Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods.
3. AOAC Official Method 2015.01 for heavy metals by ICP-MS.
4. Thermo Scientific Smart Note 000214 on comprehensive interference removal in ICP-MS.
5. Ložnjak Švarc P. et al., Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 2022, 106, 104332.
6. FRIDA Danish Food Composition Database, Technical University of Denmark, 2019.