How is rice protein powder made?

Rice protein powder is a popular alternative to dairy-based protein supplements and is derived from brown or white rice. The process of making rice protein powder involves several steps designed to isolate protein from the carbohydrates and fats naturally present in rice. Here’s a detailed look at the production process:

1. Sourcing and Preparation: The process begins with the sourcing of whole rice grains, typically brown rice, which undergoes milling to remove the outer husk and bran, leaving behind white rice. This step is sometimes skipped if starting directly with white rice (1).

2. Enzymatic Hydrolysis: To separate protein from the rice, the rice is subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis. Enzymes are added to the rice slurry (rice mixed with water) to break down the starches into simpler sugars and separate the protein. This step is crucial as it ensures that the protein is isolated from the carbohydrates (2).

3. Filtration: After enzymatic hydrolysis, the slurry is filtered to remove the carbohydrate content, leaving a protein-rich liquid. This liquid undergoes further filtration to ensure a high concentration of protein and the removal of impurities and other unwanted components (3).

4. Drying: The filtered protein liquid is then dried using a spray drying process. This involves spraying the protein liquid into a heated chamber, where the heat causes the water to evaporate quickly, leaving behind dry protein powder. This method is effective in preserving the nutritional quality and functional properties of the rice protein (4).

5. Final Processing: The resulting powder may undergo additional processing steps such as blending with flavors, sweeteners, or other nutritional supplements. It is then tested for quality and purity before being packaged and distributed (5).