Rice protein is a new up-and-comer in the food world. As consumer trends shift, rice protein is rising to the occasion to meet consumer needs and desires. NutraScience Labs reports the 2020 global rice protein market was at $53.706 million,1 and Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence predicts that, from 2021-2026, the rice protein market will have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.22 percent.2
Facts
Rice protein is extracted from rice, and enzymes are used to separate the protein in the rice from the carbohydrate.3 The resulting protein powder is high quality, as evidenced by the fact that 37 percent of the protein is essential amino acids, and 18 percent of the protein is branch-chain amino acids (BCAA). Rice protein does not contain lysine; therefore, it needs to be combined with a lysine-containing protein to create a complete protein.3
Consumer Trends
Rice protein fits a specific niche carved out by consumer trends.
- Vegan and plant-based foods: Since rice protein is sourced from plants, it meets needs for consumers seeking to avoid or reduce animal-based protein sources.1
- Hypoallergenic: Rice protein is considered hypoallergenic and so is safe for consumers who have food allergies, such as allergies to dairy, egg and soy. Further, rice protein is gluten-free and therefore safe for those who are gluten intolerant.1
- Comparable to whey protein: When studied in comparison to whey protein in fitness arenas, rice protein performed comparably to whey protein with regards to desirable change in body composition and exercise performance. An extra plus for consumers is that rice protein is more easily absorbed than whey protein, which means that rice protein has fewer gastrointestinal side effects such as flatulence.1,4
Formulation Considerations
When formulating products using plant proteins, including rice protein, there are notable considerations.5
- Cost: Rice protein can help keep costs lower than using animal-based proteins.
- Environmental: Plant-based proteins such as rice protein are more environmentally friendly than animal-based proteins.
- Flavor: Rice protein tends to have less flavor than animal-based proteins, and that can be beneficial to allow the desired flavor of the product to reign.
- Mouthfeel: Some plant proteins can feel gritty in the mouth, although there are rice protein variations that are smoother than most.
- Completeness: Rice protein, while it has an impressive amino acid profile and high bioavailability, is not a complete protein. If a complete protein is a priority in the final product, there will need to be a supplemental protein included, such as collagen, which provides the lysine rice protein lacks.
- Blending proteins: Sometimes the ideal protein for a product is a blend that includes a plant protein along with an animal protein, or perhaps collagen to promote functional protein.
Bottom Line
Rice protein is an excellent, nutritious option to include in food formulation. It fits the niche of consumer trends and may be beneficial to consider in your newest products.
Recommended Reading
- Brown Rice Protein – Nutritional Profile, Benefits & Trends
- Global Rice Protein Market Size, Share, Opportunities, COVID-19 Impact, And Trends By Type (Isolates, Concentrates), By Application (Food And Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Animal Feed), And By Geography – Forecasts From 2021 To 2026
- What are the benefits of rice protein powder?
- The ABCs of Formulating with Plant Proteins
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Rice protein is a relatively recent food ingredient. Rice protein is rising to the occasion to suit consumer requirements and aspirations as consumer trends evolve. Thank you!