What is Pea Protein Concentrate?

Pea protein concentrate is an emerging ingredient in infant and toddler formulas. It comes from varieties of Pisum sativum usually in the form of dried, yellow pea seeds. Pea protein concentrate is 50-75% protein by weight.

Regulations and Safety

Pea protein as not been approved for use in infant formulas in the United States. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the US FDA for many other food uses.  Similarly, it is not approved by the EU. However, both regulatory agencies have process that could allow for its use. The lack for regulatory approval is why pea protein is found only in toddler beverages (follow-on formulas).

Nutritional Completeness of Pea Protein Concentrate

Pea proteins are an excellent source of plant-based proteins, but they are not nutritionally complete. Like all plant products, their nutrient compositions vary due to how and where they are grown, the cultivar (specific plant breed), and how the peas are processed. As a result, pea protein concentrate does not provide all the amino acids that growing children need (digestion interactions also lowers amino acids) . Therefore toddler beverages using this protein source will add amino acids, including methionine, leucine, and threonine. Carnitine, a substance vital to metabolism of fats is also added.

Dietary Considerations

Pea proteins are being added to plant-based (non-dairy) toddler formulas as an alternative to soy proteins. They are suitable for vegetarians. The current products on the market are processed on equipment used for dairy processing, thus they will have the OU-DE symbol from the Orthodox Union.