Orion, Swanson onboard: Yeast protein gaining favour as an alternative to soy and pea

This is according to Chinese yeast and yeast extract manufacturer Angel Yeast, which has been seeing good uptake for its yeast protein ingredient marketed as AngeoPro.

AngeoPro is produced by removing nucleic acid and enzymatically removing the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ​yeast.

A breakdown shows that AngeoPro contains 82 per cent of protein, with the remaining composed of fats, moisture, mannan, glucan, ash, and others.

Japan’s iSDG was one of the first few major brands to have incorporated AngeoPro in their products, in this case, a meal replacement powder for supporting weight management among women.

In the US, Swanson also launched a protein powder using only AngeoPro as the source of protein. Equii Foods also launched a complete protein classic wheat bread containing a mix of yeast protein and wheat protein. AngeoPro is marketed as Yestein by Nura USA in North America. 

Back in East Asia, South Korea’s snacks and confectionary firm Orion Corporation has developed a protein chips under the brand Dr. You!

The pursue for novel protein options is one reason that is driving the uptake of yeast protein, Chris Chen, deputy general manager, Angel Yeast Nutrition and Health Technology Centre told NutraIngredients-Asia ​during Growth Asia Summit 2024.

Chen presented on the topic “The science behind Angeopro: Innovating health and food solutions with sustainable yeast protein” during the summit where Angel Yeast was also a diamond sponsor.

Due to regulatory constraints, the company had first introduced Angeopro in markets outside of China.

Chen said that the ingredient was only approved as a new food raw material for use in finished products in China last December.

Still, some domestic companies such as direct-selling health supplement firm Infinitus is fast catching up on the trend.

In this case, Infinitus is using proteins derived from three sources – from animal, plants, and microorganisms – in making a protein powder.

“One of the biggest brands in China, Infinitus, has introduced a protein powder into the market. The product incorporates yeast protein, soy protein, and whey protein together, meaning proteins from different sources – from animal, plants, and microorganisms,”​ said Chen.

Another local brand using AngeoPro is sports nutrition firm ffit8.​

As compared to other plant proteins, Chen said that yeast protein contains all nine essential amino acids.  

Two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials looking at the potential benefits of yeast protein for muscle health​ and sarcopenia has been conducted. There is also a study on its potential benefits in regulating the gut microbiota. 

Watch the following video as Chen tells us more about the two RCTs and the products launched.

Changing diets, environmental concerns making yeast protein a viable option​

According to Chen, an increase in demand for protein, the search for sustainable sources of protein to reduce China’s import reliance, and environmental concerns arising from the farming industry are key reasons why Angel Yeast has looked into the potential of yeast protein.

China imports its soybean mainly from Brazil and the United States and has been seeking other options to reduce its reliance on both soy and milk protein imports.

Microorganism-derived protein has thus been put forth as a possible alternative, said Chen. At the same time, yeast protein could cut down on carbon emission, which is a persistent concern with the farming industry.

In April, South China Morning Post ​also reported that a group of Chinese researchers has successfully cloned genes resistant to Asian soybean rust​ – a disease present in all major soybean producing regions. This could be helpful in developing resistant soybean cultivars.