What is PeptoPro®?
PeptoPro® is a protein hydrolysate derived from the casein protein fraction of cow’s milk. It consists of ~85% protein. The protein is rich in small peptides; ~60% is smaller than 500 Dalton. Molecular mapping indicates that ~7.5% is free amino acids, ~8.5% is dipeptides, and ~39% is tripeptides.
How is PeptoPro® produced?
PeptoPro® is produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of sodium caseinate. Two food-grade enzymes are used of which one is exclusively developed to reduce bitterness. After hydrolysis, the solution is heat treated such that all enzymes are irreversibly inactivated. The solution is then concentrated and spray dried. All processing conditions are controlled in order to accommodate optimal enzyme action and to prevent bacterial contamination and outgrowth during the process.
What is the shelf life of PeptoPro®?
PeptoPro® is a dried powder that is stored in high-quality packaging (laminated polyethylene PET-ALU-PE bags). When stored under the correct conditions (limited humidity and temperature below 25º Celcius), PeptoPro® is stable for at least 2 years.
Is PeptoPro® safe?
Yes. Proteins are a normal part of the diet. In the gastro-intestinal tract, proteins are cut into small peptides by enzymes, just as PeptoPro® is cut into small peptides by enzymes during the manufacturing process. The enzymes are food-grade and safe. Casein hydrolysates have been used for decades in hypoallergenic infant formulae and sport drinks. They are Generally Recognized as Safe in the USA (FDA-GRAS list section 184.1).
Is PeptoPro® a novel food?
No. see above. Casein hydrolysates have a long history of safe use and a GRAS status, at least in Europe and the USA. For other countries, check with the relevant regulatory body.
Which nutritional claims can be made for PeptoPro®?
For claims in the EU, an Article 13.1 dossier (2006/1924/EC) for claim registration in foods has been submitted containing the following claims:
- Accelerates recovery from exercise
- Helps faster recovery
- Helps enhance endurance
- Increases the time to fatigue during exercise
- Helps better performance
- Helps to increase physical performance
In the USA, Structure/Function claims for PeptoPro® in consumer products are based on existing, FDA-approved claims for comparable ingredients:
- PeptoPro® as pre-digested protein is a recovery ingredient for fast muscle refueling
- The Protein in PeptoPro® aids the body in supplying longer lasting energy
- PeptoPro® protein helps an athlete recover faster after a period of exercise.
- PeptoPro® offers all the biological benefits of natural milk protein without the side effects associated with consumption of lactose. Provides nutritional support for muscles during times of strenuous activity
- PeptoPro® for Fast Muscle Refueling
- The protein in PeptoPro® encourages muscle recovery and repair
How should PeptoPro® be labelled?
PeptoPro® should be labelled as a milk protein hydrolysate.
Is PeptoPro® hypoallergenic?
Yes, PeptoPro® is extensively hydrolyzed resulting in mainly di- and tripeptides, which are hypoallergenic. However, it depends on local regulations whether the claim Hypo-Allergenic can be made. In some countries this can only be claimed when the ingredient is tested in humans with diagnosed milk allergy, which we have not done.
Is PeptoPro® lactose-free?
No, but the lactose content is very low; < 0.5%
Is PeptoPro® Kosher and Halal?
Yes, PeptoPro® is OU Kosher and Halal.
What is the taste of PeptoPro®?
PeptoPro® tastes slightly bitter and sour when the powder is dissolved in water.
What kind of applications can PeptoPro® be used in?
PeptoPro® can be used in a wide range of applications like instant powder drinks, fitness and sports water, fruit juices, smoothies, bars etc.
How stable is PeptoPro® in applications?
The active components of PeptoPro®, the peptides, are stable in a wide variety of applications. However, interactions between PeptoPro® and other ingredients might occur. E.g. in ready to drink beverages Maillard reactions might take place due to interactions between PeptoPro® and sugars.
Can PeptoPro® be heat-treated?
Yes, the active components of PeptoPro® are heat-stable, but heat treatment can influence the taste (and browning) of PeptoPro®.
What heat treatment is recommended?
Heat treatment at a high temperature for a very short duration, as with UHT, is preferable to extended heating at lower temperatures, because of the impact of heat treatment on taste, and browning.
What are the possible conservation methods when using PeptoPro®?
The addition of preservatives and lowering of pH can be potential preservation options, e.g. ready to drink formulations, depending to the level and type/concentration (e.g. pH <4; Sorbic acid). Many preservatives will not only inhibit growth but even (partly) kill-off contaminants.
How does PeptoPro® influence the appearance of an application?
PeptoPro® does not influence the visual appearance of an application. E.g. dissolving PeptoPro® in water results in a transparent solution.
Does PeptoPro® dissolve easily in a matrix of other ingredients?
PeptoPro® dissolves very easily in water.
Are there critical points in handling PeptoPro®?
The order in which ingredients are added is not critical. It should be noted that PeptoPro® has a strong buffering capacity, so the final pH of a formulation should be set after the addition of PeptoPro®.
What type of packaging material can be used?
Any kind of packaging can be used, such as PET, glass, aluminum laminate, tetra pack. In case of cans, tunnel pasteurisation is often used. This type of pasteurisation should be limited in terms of duration. When using clear PET bottles, the use of UV filter in PET and/or sleeves is advised. Alternatively, coloured bottles or opaque sleeves can be used.
In which pH range can PeptoPro® be used?
PeptoPro® is stable over a wide pH range (2-8).
How does PeptoPro® behave in combination with sugars?
Interactions between PeptoPro® and reducing sugars occur, resulting in browning of the formulation. The extent of browning depends on the water activity and type of sugar.
How does PeptoPro® behave in combination with sweeteners?
PeptoPro® can be used in combination with any sweetener, although the pH and thermal stability of the sweetener of choice should be checked.
How does PeptoPro® behave in combination with various acids?
The type of acid used does not influence the stability of PeptoPro® itself. PeptoPro® powder contains ~10% malic acid, which influences the pH and taste profile.
Can additives (like vitamins or anti-oxidants) be used in an application with PeptoPro®?
It is not advisable to use vitamin C in ready-to-drink formulations, since vitamin C accelerates the extent of browning. Other vitamins or anti-oxidants do not affect the stability of the formulation.
Are there critical points when using PeptoPro® in a powder application?
To ensure a maximum shelf life, the water activity should be as low as possible. The choice of packaging material is critical. E.g. when using sachets, the water and oxygen permeability should be as low as possible.
Are there critical points when using PeptoPro® in a ready-to-drink formulation?
Type of sugar, heat treatment and packaging material are the most critical aspects when using PeptoPro® in ready-to-drink formulations. Interactions of PeptoPro® with reducing sugars might occur, resulting in browning of the formulation. Heat treatment at high temperature for a very short duration is preferable to extended heating at lower temperatures. Packaging material that avoids interaction of PeptoPro® with light is preferred, since this may lead to colouring of the formulation.
What is the advantage of using a caseinate hydrolysate like PeptoPro® instead of intact caseinate in an application?
The solubility of PeptoPro® is much better compared to intact caseinate. PeptoPro® is transparent when dissolved in water, while caseinate remains turbid. Intact caseinate can only be used in a limited pH regime because of its low solubility around the iso-electric point. A protein hydrolysate can be used in the entire pH regime.
