Anhui Shunxin Shengyuan Biological Food and ZXChem USA have launched HydroRice PA80, a rice protein powder for use in plant-based applications, specifically dairy replacement applications such as ready-to-drink (RTD) and powdered beverages, yogurt, ice cream and cream cheese. 

A key aspect of HydroRice PA80 is the low levels of heavy metals and pesticides in the rice. No pollutants are concentrated in the protein manufacturing process. 

“No enzymes or hydrolyzation is used to change the protein functionality. Instead, the factory is using a combination of a high-pressure homogenization process and spray drying,” Thomas Simon, director of sales at ZXChem USA, the US subsidiary of the Shanghai-based ZXChem Group, tells Food Ingredients First.

“It was developed to dissolve better than any other rice protein on the market for beverage or dairy replacement products.”

Solubility, the real star
The factory sources and uses rice from suppliers in Northern China and Pakistan. HydroRice PA80 is available in conventional and organic versions.

It represents a new generation of rice protein with a low allergen profile that delivers a smooth and pleasant mouthfeel and high-quality water solubility.

The product complements the HydroPea H80, a pea protein developed for beverages. Research shows that blending pea and rice proteins neutralizes the beany flavor of pea protein.

Rice and pea protein are considered complete proteins and contain all nine essential amino acids – histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

Essential amino acids are not produced by the human body and need to be nutritionally supplemented through the diet.

Earlier this year, the European Commission granted Novel Food status to FermentIQ MLL and PTP, two of mycelia protein producer MycoTechnology’s main ingredient products. They are produced using a patented mycelial fermentation platform that improves the sensory, functional, and nutritional attributes of plant protein.

This approval opens the door for the US-based corporation to expand into the European market and beyond.

Protein combination works best
Rice and pea protein are each lacking one essential amino acid. Rice protein is low in lysine, while pea protein is low in methionine. Combining the two proteins delivers a complete protein.

HydroRice PA80 and HydroPea H80 combined is a cost-effective plant-based alternative to whey protein with a combined Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) score of 1 – the highest score.

“HydroRice PA80 is also ideal for consumers looking for a plant-based protein source that is easy to digest,” says Simon.

Anhui Shunxin has assigned ZXChem USA the exclusive master distributorship in the US and Canadian markets for the new HydroRice PA80. They can provide formulation recommendations to distributors, co-packers, formulators and brands in the North American markets.

In other industry developments, Roquette has invested in Daiz, a Japanese start-up that has developed the means of using plant seed germination and an extrusion process to enhance the texture, flavor and nutritional profile of plant-based foods.

Anhui Shunxin Shengyuan Biological Food and ZXChem will exhibit HydroRice PA80 and HydroPea H80 at IFT Expo, Chicago, from 16-19 July at booth S4819.