What is protein powder made of
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What is Protein Powder Made Of?
Protein powders are popular dietary supplements used to increase protein intake. They are derived from various sources, including animal products, dairy, and plants. This article explores the composition and production processes of different types of protein powders.
Animal-Based Protein Powders
Animal Raw Material Protein Powders
Animal-based protein powders can be produced from various animal raw materials, such as offal from bacon factories and cattle slaughterhouses. The production process involves heat treatment and mechanical separation into fluid and solid phases. The solid phase is powder-dried, and bone pieces are removed to obtain the first type of protein powder. The fluid phase is further processed to separate sludge, fat, and a size phase, which is spray-dried to produce the second type of protein powder. These powders are free-flowing and have high protein content, suitable for use as gluing agents or protein supplements for fodder .
Fish Protein Powders
Fish protein powders, such as those made from Alaska pollock by-products, are another example of animal-based protein powders. These powders are produced from various parts of the fish, including viscera, heads, frames, trimmings, and liver. They have protein contents ranging from 65.0% to 78.9% and exhibit good functional properties like nitrogen solubility, emulsion capacity, and stability. They are also rich in essential amino acids and minerals .
Catfish Roe Protein Powders
Catfish roe can be used to produce soluble spray-dried protein powders. These powders contain 67% protein and have high nitrogen solubility, emulsion stability, and fat adsorption values. They are also rich in essential amino acids and minerals, making them a nutritious option for protein supplementation .
Dairy-Based Protein Powders
Milk Protein Concentrate (MPC) Powders
Milk protein concentrate powders are made from skim milk through ultrafiltration and diafiltration, followed by spray drying. The protein content in MPC powders is around 81%. The heat treatment of milk during production affects the functional properties of the resulting powders, such as whey protein denaturation, serum protein concentration, and rennet-induced coagulability. These powders are used in various food applications due to their high protein content and functional properties .
Whey Protein Powders
Whey protein powders are produced from whey, a by-product of cheese making. They can be combined with other ingredients like lactose and soybean oil to create emulsions that are spray-dried. Whey protein has the ability to encapsulate fat, although its efficiency is lower compared to other proteins like sodium caseinate. The presence of lactose can affect the structure and stability of the powder particles, especially under humid conditions .
Plant-Based Protein Powders
Soy Protein Powders
Soy protein powders are derived from high-quality, non-GMO soybeans. The production process involves extracting and modifying the protein to enhance solubility and dispersibility. These powders are high in protein and have good functional properties, making them suitable for use in health care products, foods, and beverages .
Other Plant Protein Powders
A variety of plant protein powders are available on the market, including those made from pea, oat, fava bean, chickpea, mung bean, potato, canola, and wheat. These powders exhibit different techno-functional and sensory properties, such as water solubility, foaming capacity, emulsification properties, and viscosity. The functional properties can vary significantly between different batches of the same type of plant protein powder .
Conclusion
Protein powders are made from a wide range of sources, including animal products, dairy, and plants. Each type of protein powder has unique production processes and functional properties, making them suitable for various applications in food and nutrition. Understanding the composition and characteristics of different protein powders can help consumers choose the right product for their dietary needs.
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