1.What is yeast protein?
Yeast protein is a highly nutritious fermented vegan protein source. Derived from the single-celled microorganism commonly known as yeast, it is a complete protein that contains all the essential amino acids needed for optimal human health. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They play a critical role in the growth and repair of your body’s muscles, bones, and other tissues.
You can measure the quality of the protein in different ways. For example, through total protein content, amount of total amino acids, amount of total essential amino acids, or amount of brand chain amino acids. However, it is critical to consider its digestibility and the efficiency with which it is absorbed by our gut. When comparing the different protein sources available, it is superior to all plant-based proteins. It is highly digestible with a PDCAAS of 1.0. It also contains all essential amino acids, and BCAA content is superior to its counterparts.
2. What are the benefits of yeast proteins compared to whey proteins and plant proteins?
Whey protein – currently the gold standard – offers rapid digestion and a complete amino acid profile, particularly rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and leucine. However, its animal-derived nature may not suit all consumers seeking dairy-free or plant-based alternatives. Plant-based proteins, while available, often lack essential amino acids and may be challenging to digest fully. Additionally, their production from sources like wheat, soy and peas demands significant land use and is susceptible to weather fluctuations.
Enter yeast protein, derived from brewing yeast, boasting over 80% high-quality protein and a leucine content comparable to whey. Its ‘slow protein’ nature provides a sustained amino acid release, complemented by functional polysaccharides beneficial for gut health. Yeast protein production also offers sustainability advantages, requiring less land and utilising wastewater as organic fertiliser for yeast crops, thus fostering a circular economy. Therefore, yeast protein effectively addresses barriers for consumers purchasing animal protein supplements and also addresses sustainability issues.
3. What are the benefits of fermented yeast protein?
Here are the key benefits of Fermented Yeast protein in a diet.
①Supports Muscle Growth And Repair
It is rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that are important for building and repairing muscle tissue. Consuming yeast protein after exercise may help to promote muscle recovery and growth.
②Promotes Satiety (Keeps You Feeling Full)
It is a slow-digesting protein, and therefore Fermented Yeast protein is a highly satiating protein source that may help limit hunger and keep you feeling full for longer periods. This may help manage weight loss goals.
③May Improve Gut Health
Some studies suggest that fermented yeast protein may have prebiotic effects in the gut, which means that it may help to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This may improve digestion and overall gut health.
④Suitable For Vegans And Vegetarians
Again, it is a complete protein that contains all the essential amino acids. That makes it a great alternative protein source for people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Yeast protein is a versatile and nutritious source easily incorporated into a healthy and balanced diet.
Choosing Fermented Yeast protein for your dietary needs can provide you with a high-quality, vegan-friendly, easily digestible, and versatile source of protein to support your overall health and wellness. Fermented Yeast protein powders are a rich source of high-quality protein, containing all nine essential amino acids your body needs to function properly. It is also a source of potassium and dietary fiber.
4. Is yeast protein suitable for the vegetarian cuisine?
Yeast protein is a vegan-friendly protein source, as it is derived from microorganisms rather than animal products. This makes it an excellent choice for people who follow a flexitarian or plant-based diet or have dietary restrictions due to ethical, environmental, or health reasons.
5. How much yeast protein is used in our food and drinks?
There are no limitations on the consumption of yeast protein in the European Union, the United States and China.
6. How is yeast protein labeled in the ingredient list?
Yeast protein is labelled as "yeast protein" in the ingredient list. This name is based on the requirements of the Local Food Law.
7. What are the international regulations regarding yeast proteins?
The U.S. FDA approved baker's yeast protein for use in food as a protein nutritional supplement in 1977 (reference regulation: 21CFR§172.325). In the European Union, brewer's yeast proteins obtained by conventional physical and enzymatic methods have been approved as a novel food in 1977 (reference regulation: EU Novel Food status Catalogue).
In 2017, Angel yeast company started the declaration of novel food ingredients of yeast protein, and on December 1, 2023, yeast protein was approved as a new food ingredient by National Health Commission. In 2022, Angel took the lead in promoting the development of industry standards for yeast protein, and on December 20, 2023, the industry standard of Yeast Protein was announced, and it will be implemented on July 1, 2024.
8. What types of food and beverages can yeast protein be used in?
Yeast protein is vegan, allergen-free, and easy to digest. It has a neutral flavor and is perfect as a protein supplement in various food and beverage applications. Examples of applications are protein bars, snacks, meat analogues, and non-dairy and dairy products, bakery and pastry, beverages, and more. It is also suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets and people with food allergies or sensitivities.
Overall, Yeast protein offers a sustainable, high-quality protein source that may help meet the nutritional needs of various individuals and support a healthy lifestyle.
9. What is the difference between yeast protein and yeast extract?
Yeast protein and yeast extract differ in terms of their composition and usage. Yeast protein is primarily the protein component extracted from yeast, boasting high nutritional value and is primarily used for food fortification and protein supplementation. On the other hand, yeast extract is a more comprehensive yeast product that contains not only protein but also various amino acids, nucleotides, B vitamins, and other nutritional and flavor components. It is primarily used to improve the taste and flavor of food products.
10. Why is Yeast protein Sustainable? What are the environmental benefits?
Yeast protein is made through an eco-friendly fermentation process that minimizes environmental impact, requires limited land use for cultivation and is less affected by harvest and seasonality that plant-based protein production is subjected to. Research shows that the carbon emission generated during the production of yeast protein is 20 times less than that of beef, so it is a sustainable protein in comparison to other more resource-intensive and environmentally impactful options. Yeast protein production significantly reduces water consumption, occupies less arable land and generates fewer carbon footprints. The wastewater generated from yeast protein production is used as organic fertiliser for yeast crops, creating a circular economy.
