Soy protein powder is a high-quality plant protein extracted from soybeans and widely used in many fields. In the food processing industry, it can be used to make bread and cookies, increase protein content and taste; It is also a key raw material for products such as plant-based milk and vegetarian meat. In the field of sports nutrition, it is often added to post exercise recovery drinks and protein bars to help athletes repair muscles and enhance physical fitness. In terms of healthcare, it is a nutritional supplement for malnourished patients and also used in special medical formula foods to provide nutritional support for patients with specific diseases, playing an important role in people's diet, exercise, and health management.
Food processing industry
- Baked Goods
Bread making: Adding soy protein powder to the bread recipe can increase the protein content of the bread. For example, some whole wheat breads add 3% -5% soy protein powder to increase their nutritional value. The protein in soy protein powder can interact with the gluten protein in flour, improving the tissue structure of bread, making it softer and more elastic, and delaying the aging rate of bread. Meanwhile, due to the fact that soy protein powder contains a certain amount of dietary fiber, it can also increase the satiety of bread and is suitable as a healthy breakfast food.
Biscuit making: Soy protein powder is an excellent raw material for making high fiber biscuits. Adding soy protein powder at a ratio of 10% -15% to cookie dough can increase the protein and dietary fiber content of cookies. The cookies made in this way not only have a crispy texture, but are also healthier and suitable as a casual snack, especially attractive to consumers who are concerned about nutritional intake.
- Dairy substitutes
Plant milk: Adding soy protein powder can increase the protein content of plant-based milk such as soy milk and almond milk. Taking soy milk as an example, some brands will add extra soy protein powder to increase the protein content of each 100 milliliters of soy milk to about 3-4 grams, which is equivalent to the protein content of milk. This plant-based milk can provide a high-quality source of protein for vegetarians or those who are allergic to milk, and the nutritional content and taste of the product can be controlled by adjusting the amount of soy protein powder added.
Yogurt substitute: For some lactose free yogurt or plant-based yogurt products, soy protein powder can be used to improve the texture and nutrition of the product. It can increase the thickness of yogurt, giving it a taste similar to traditional yogurt. Meanwhile, during the fermentation process, the protein in soy protein powder can provide nutrition for probiotics, promote their growth, and enhance the health benefits of the product.
- Meat substitute products
Vegetarian meat production: Soy protein powder is a key ingredient for making vegetarian meat. By using processes such as extrusion and puffing, soy protein powder is made into vegetarian meat products with a fiber structure similar to meat. For example, when making vegetarian chicken, soy protein powder is mixed with other seasonings, plant glue, etc., and subjected to high temperature and high pressure treatment. The proteins in soy protein powder undergo denaturation and recombination, forming a fibrous structure similar to chicken. This vegetarian meat can be used in various cooking methods such as stir frying and soup making, providing a meat substitute for vegetarians. It is also high in protein and rich in nutrients.
Sports nutrition field
- Recovery drink after exercise
For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, timely protein supplementation after exercise is crucial for muscle repair and growth. Soy protein powder is added to some post exercise recovery drinks. For example, a common exercise recovery drink formula contains 15-20 grams of soy protein powder, moderate amounts of carbohydrates (such as glucose), and electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium). Drinking this beverage can quickly provide the body with the nutrients needed to repair muscles, reduce muscle soreness, and accelerate body recovery. Drinking it within 30 minutes after high-intensity exercise can effectively increase muscle protein synthesis rate and promote muscle growth.
- Protein stick production
Protein stick is a convenient and portable sports nutrition food. Soy protein powder is often used together with other protein sources such as whey protein to make protein bars. In the protein stick formula, the content of soy protein powder can reach about 30% -40%. It is mixed with other ingredients such as nuts, dried fruits, sweeteners, etc., and processed into a protein stick through a molding process. This protein stick can be consumed before and after fitness, providing the body with a continuous supply of energy and protein, helping to maintain muscle mass and improve exercise endurance.
Medical and healthcare fields
- Nutritional supplements
Soy protein powder is used in some nutritional supplements for malnourished patients. For example, for patients with chronic diseases such as cancer, chronic kidney failure, etc. that lead to loss of appetite and malnutrition, doctors may recommend nutritional supplements containing soy protein powder. These supplements typically mix soy protein powder with other vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to create powder or liquid forms that are easy to swallow and digest. Taking the prescribed dosage every day can help patients supplement the protein they need, maintain their basic physiological functions, enhance their immune system, and improve their nutritional status.
- Formula food for special medical purposes
Soy protein powder is also used in special medical formula foods for specific diseases. For example, for children with phenylketonuria (PKU), it is necessary to limit the intake of phenylalanine, and soy protein powder, after special treatment, has a lower phenylalanine content and can be used to make formula foods suitable for PKU patients. These foods mainly rely on soy protein powder as the main source of protein, while adding other necessary nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, providing comprehensive nutritional support for PKU patients and ensuring their growth, development, and physical health.
Plant protein suppliers and manufacturers
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