Products · Industry Insights · 14min read
Three Trending Natural Protein Powders in Health Products
Learn more about the protein powder industry and take a look at hemp protein powder, rice protein powder, and pea protein powder’s production, applications, and nutritional benefits.
Plant proteins are classified into the following categories: nuts and seed-based proteins (e.g. hemp protein), legume-based proteins (e.g. pea protein), grain-based proteins (e.g. rice protein), fruit-based protein (e.g. cranberry protein), leaf-based proteins (e.g. moringa powder), root-based proteins (e.g. maca). According to Mordor Intelligence, Europe’s plant protein market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2020-2025, thereby reaching a projected USD 2.6 billion by 2025. The market intelligence and advisory agency cites consumers’ increasing vegan dietary demands, manufacturers’ rising use of plant-based proteins as ingredients in processed foods, and the generally low price point of plant-based proteins as key drivers for this. Globe News Wire also highlights the demand for clean label products—in other words, pure, natural foods with sustainable ingredients—a crucial factor propelling the plant protein market forward. Many plant-based protein powders, such as hemp powder, are produced from by-products, such as hemp cake, of the vegetable oil industry, thereby providing the added benefit of reducing waste throughout the industry.
Finally, a CBI report underlines the trending consumer perception of the health benefits of plant-based proteins over their animal-based counterparts. This is especially important with regard to plant protein’s potential within the supplement market, which specifically targets consumers who seek out active and healthy lifestyles. Fortune Business Insights elaborates on this point, “The emergence of soy, pea, lentil, and ancient grains have made the dietary supplements space more vibrant and interesting. Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable innovation in the supplements sector, and plant-proteins are well-positioned to address this dynamic demand.” Likewise, Industry experts see significant potential for organic protein powder as a growing number of health-conscious consumers increasingly turns to the organic space.
Discover interesting facts about hemp protein powder, rice protein powder, and pea protein powder’s production, applications, and nutritional benefits below.
Hemp Protein Powder
The food industry, nutraceutical industry, and personal care industry have seen a surge in new product developments containing hemp protein powder in recent years. Commercialisation and industrialisation of hemp have played a significant part in these developments, and consumers are embracing everything from hemp teas and shakes to snack bars and ready-made meals.
Production
Hemp protein powder is produced by extracting the oil from the seeds and then grinding them into a powder. The powder is then screened to ensure only the fine-textured powder remains.
Applications
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Bakery products
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Beverages
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Dairy & infant formulas
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Processed meat products
Nutritional Values
Hemp has a protein content of around 50%. As a complete protein, it contains all nine essential amino acids. Furthermore, hemp is an excellent source of fibre (30 grams offers approximately 28% of the recommended daily intake), boasts a healthy mix of unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, and is rich in minerals, such as calcium, iron, and zinc, and antioxidants.
Buy wholesale organic hemp protein powder online at foodcircle.
Rice Protein Powder
Growth in the rice market over the past five years has largely been attributed to the rising demand for applications in nutraceuticals and supplements. In the years to come, meat analogues and extenders are expected to be the biggest drivers for rice protein industry growth.
Production
For the production of rice protein powder, the rice grains are ground and treated with an enzyme which separates the starch from the protein.
Applications
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Nutraceuticals & supplements
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Bakery & confectionery goods
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Soups, pastas & other meals
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Sweet & savoury snacks
Nutritional Values
Rice protein has a protein content of around 80%. Because rice protein powder contains neither allergens nor gluten, it is especially suited as an ingredient in foods designed for consumers with soy, lactose, egg, nut, or gluten allergies. Furthermore, as many consumers battle with gastric discomfort from whey-based protein, rice protein is not known to trigger bloating, cramping, or other symptoms of this nature. While rice protein does in truth contain all nine essential amino acids, it is not considered a complete protein because the levels of lysine present are extremely low. It does, however, contain notable levels of iron and vitamin C.
Buy wholesale organic rice protein powder online at foodcircle.
Pea Protein Powder
Over the past decade, new pea protein powder products have risen significantly—while the European Vegetable Protein Association (EUVEPRO) registered only 7 new products in this category in 2007, in 2017 it registered a whopping 600. Not only is pea protein’s popularity on the rise because it remains a low-cost protein source, but it is also gaining traction in Europe because, unlike soy or rice, it can be cultivated regionally.
Production
The production of pea protein powder occurs in several steps. After harvesting, the peas are dried, the shells are removed, and the remaining matter is milled. The resulting flour then undergoes a filtration and centrifugation process upon which the starch and fibre are extracted, resulting in the isolated protein.
Applications
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Sports nutrition & supplements
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Bakery & confectionery products
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Cereals
Nutritional Information
Pea protein has a protein content of around 80%. Like rice protein, it is easily digestible, hence especially suitable for consumers who struggle with gastric discomfort, and does not contain any allergens or gluten. Pea protein contains significantly higher levels of lysine, an essential amino acid that facilitates cartilage, skin, and bone health, than rice protein. Furthermore, it is notably rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which contribute to muscle health and iron.
Buy wholesale organic pea protein powder online at foodcircle.
Imagery: (1) Jessica Ruscello, (2) LikeMeat via unsplash.com | (3 - 5) foodcircle.com