Hydrolyzed protein is a broken-down protein source added to many processed foods. It can be made from various sources, including meat, dairy, vegetables, and grains. It is used to enhance flavor, thicken, or stabilize products, and can even be used in vegetarian meat products. However, concerns exist about its potential to form MSG and its use of common allergens.
Hydrolyzed protein includes any protein source that has been broken down before being added to food. Manufacturers rely on chemical processes to break down protein into individual amino acid units, just as the body digests protein into these same amino acids. This can be accomplished by adding the protein to an acid-based solution or through the use of various enzymes. Hydrolyzed protein can be found in many different types of processed food products, but it remains a controversial substance for some consumers.
Manufacturers produce hydrolyzed proteins from a variety of sources. It can be made from beef or milk by-products and other forms of dairy. This protein source can also be produced using vegetables such as tomatoes or mushrooms. It is also frequently made from grain products, such as wheat, oats, and cereals. Generally, manufacturers will list the hydrolyzed protein source on an ingredient list so that buyers can make effective dietary choices.
Most of the time, hydrolyzed protein is a relatively minor ingredient in foods. It serves as a common additive to enhance flavor, thicken, or stabilize a product. It is often mixed with spices to create seasonings, and can also be used as an emulsifier in medicines and pharmaceuticals. This material can even serve as an ingredient in vegetarian meat products, such as imitation burgers, chicken, and sausages. These faux meat dishes use a vegetable-based hydrolyzed protein as the main ingredient, offering valuable protein and a meat-like texture.
Hydrolyzed protein is a source of concern for many consumers. When added to almost any type of food, this protein reacts with salt to form monosodium glutamate (MSG). Some people believe that consuming MSG can cause negative health effects, such as migraines, dizziness, and nausea. While food regulatory bodies often require manufacturers to include MSG on the package when it is added to a product, this is not always the case. Even in the United States, companies that must include MSG do not have to include hydrolyzed protein if it is the only source of MSG in the product.
Other concerns lie with the hydrolyzed protein source. In the past, this ingredient was often listed as a natural flavoring. This made it difficult for shoppers to spot products that contain meat or meat by-products. This issue is further complicated by the source of this protein, which includes common allergens such as milk or wheat.
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