Global market demand for plant-based proteins such as hemp protein continues to rise.¹ Not only is it important to choose a high quality protein to meet consumer demand, but it’s important to choose the best form of protein powder based on your product formulation needs.
The two most common forms of plant-based protein powder available are protein concentrate and protein isolate.
The difference between a protein concentrate vs. isolate is in the method of processing and extraction methods. The processing technique to produce a protein powder alters its nutritional profile and therefore the final product it’s incorporated into.
When it comes to protein concentrate vs. isolate, there are pros and cons to both. Here, we’ll examine the key differences between protein concentrate vs. isolate and explain how our hemp protein powder concentrate is unique.
What is Protein Isolate?
Protein isolate is a purified form of protein powder that is higher in protein. Many plant-based protein powders such as soy and pea protein are available as protein isolates.
In general, protein isolates contain more protein per serving than concentrates, about 90% protein on average. Through the filtering process, a more purified powder is created with a higher protein content.
This is appealing if you’re looking to bump the protein content of your product with minimal impact on other macronutrients.
Because they are more purified, protein isolates tend to be significantly more expensive than protein concentrates.
What is Protein Concentrate?
Another common form of protein powder for food formulations is protein concentrate. Protein concentrates generally range from 40-90% protein depending on the level of processing and the particular supplier.
Our V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein concentrate is on the higher end of this range at >70% protein, in addition to containing several other healthful nutrients.
There are a few unique properties to take note of when purchasing a protein concentrate. First, concentrates often retain nutrients found in the original protein sources, such as anti-inflammatory fats, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals while still serving as a rich protein source.²
Second, a protein concentrate is often significantly less expensive than a protein isolate, since the processing method does not require as much time.
Hemp Protein Concentrate vs. Other Plant-Based Concentrates
The proteins included in Victory Hemp’s ingredient lineup are protein concentrates. Hemp protein concentrate has a unique nutritional composition compared to other protein concentrate sources such as soy and pea proteins.³
Hemp protein concentrate is a complete source of plant-based protein and is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also contains a small amount of residual fats that are the ideal 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.
Hemp protein concentrate also has superior digestibility compared to other plant-based concentrates. This is thanks to its edestin content—edestin is a globular protein which is very easily digestible by the body. This is a unique property of hemp as many consumers seek a plant-based protein they can tolerate well without bloating or discomfort.⁴
Because of all these reasons, hemp protein concentrates provide a more well-rounded nutritional profile for product infusion compared to other plant-based concentrates.
How is V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein Concentrate Different?
There are several unique benefits to our V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein concentrate compared to other hemp protein concentrates. These benefits can enhance the quality, taste, and nutritional profile of existing food products.
First, V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein is made from shelled hemp seeds and milled into a fine powder that is white in color, neutral in taste, and provides a smooth mouthfeel. This is in comparison to traditional hemp protein powder that is green and more pungent in taste.
It also has a high water- and oil-holding capacity. Because of this, it blends nicely to create hemp seed-based food products, such as meat alternatives like plant-based burgers, that require moisture.
Here at Victory Hemp, we combine the best of both worlds - a higher protein percentage and better tasting ingredient (compared to other hemp proteins) that is also cost-effective.
Protein Concentrate vs. Isolate - The Bottom Line
When it comes to protein concentrate vs. isolate, what is best will be based on your individual food innovation goals and the desired nutritional profile of the product.
Currently, hemp protein isolates are not commonly available on the market, but there are several hemp protein concentrates.
V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein concentrate has a leg above other hemp proteins as it contains >70% protein compared to the traditional 50%. It also has a superior texture, taste and color as a result of the extraction methods used in processing.
Due to its higher protein content, a hemp protein concentrate such as V-70™ is an ideal choice for many consumer packaged goods products. It will also provide the desired protein amount per serving compared to other hemp proteins.
For specialty products with tighter macronutrient margins such as for keto, low carb or low fat products, our V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein is also low in both fat and carbs to match these more stringent parameters.
If you’re looking to see if a nutritionally balanced, high-quality hemp protein concentrate is a good fit for your next product, Contact our team today and request a sample!
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