A new cranberry protein powder can allow food and drink companies to add protein to their products without turning to the usual dairy or soy sources, says its manufacturer.
AHD International, a US firm that says it focuses on new-to-market ingredients, claims to be the first company to be tapping into the protein potential of cranberry seed.
As well as protein, the company said its new Luravida cranberry powder is a good source of fiber, and also contains omega 3, 6 and 9. Applications it can be used in include baked goods, snacks, bars, smoothies, protein blends and dietary supplements.
The cranberry protein powder is produced using a patented cold extrusion and filtration process from the seeds of the American cranberry. No enzymes or extraction solvents are used in this process, said AHD.
Composition
The new ingredient contains 23-30 percent protein, 5-20 percent soluble fiber and 40-47 percent insoluble fiber.
It contains one percent omega 3, one percent omega 6 and 0.75 percent omega 9, and is also said to be rich in flavonoids.
AHD said its powder also has a full amino acid profile, including tyrosine (0.5-2g/100g), glutamic acid (5-7g/100g), phenylalanine (1-3g/100g), glycine (1-3g/100g), alanine (1-3g/100g) and cysteine (0.3-2g/00g).
The cranberry powder also contains potassium (5000-5600ppm), calcium (1400-2500ppm) and iron (30-80ppm).
Market niche
AHD president John Alkire said he believes the new product will find a niche in the protein ingredient market.
"The main protein sources have so far been from dairy or soy. But manufacturers are always looking for new ways to differentiate their products, and making 'cranberry protein' claims on their products will be one way of doing this," he told NutraIngredients-USA.com.
It will also allow manufacturers to steer away from the allergen concerns linked to soy and dairy ingredients, he said.
