Rice Protein for Cleaner Labels

For the millions of American consumers afflicted with allergies and digestive disorders, choosing food products can be a challenging, frustrating endeavor. But that’s all changing, as ingredient manufacturers increasingly develop hypoallergenic, glutenfree products, such as OryzaPro™ rice protein crisps from PGP International, an ABF Ingredients Company. “Oryza” is the Latin word for rice; “pro” is an abbreviation of “protein.”

“Rice protein is a highly nutritious protein source that is free from known allergens commonly associated with several other grains, soy, eggs, milk and yeast proteins,” says Jennifer Eastman, technology manager. “Being hypoallergenic and gluten-free, rice protein is suitable for people with gluten allergies or those individuals who may experience other digestive conditions or dietary restrictions. And, as a plant-derived protein, it is acceptable to vegans.”

Processed without the use of hexane, a chemical agent commonly used when processing oilseeds and legumes, OryzaPro rice protein crisps are also suitable for natural products, such as nutritional and confectionery bars, breakfast cereals and snacks.

“Rice protein is a complete and easily digestible protein; it contains the full complement of essential and nonessential amino acids, having a profile with a 96% correlation to the amino acids in mother’s milk,” Eastman says. “Rice, soy and whey are all good sources of protein. However, for those who have allergies to soy and whey, or do not wish to consume animal protein, rice is the preferable choice.”

With up to 80% rice protein, the crisps can be used alone or in combination with other protein ingredients. Their bland flavor, as well as consistent color, shape and size, allow formulators to use as much or as little as they would like to achieve the desired level of protein and crisp, crunchy texture. Custom sizes and shapes are available. These crisps are also kosher parve. 

PGP International 
An ABF Ingredients Company 
351 Hanson Way 
Woodland, CA 95776 
Phone: 800/333-0110 530/662-5056 
Website: www.pacgrain.com