Numerous studies show that consumers’ insatiable appetite for protein shows no signs of abating. With the right protein ingredient, it is possible to boost the protein content of everyday foods to satisfy consumers’ desire for culinary adventure. Advanced technologies have made it possible to formulate healthful prepared foods with chicken protein.
Meatballs, meatloaf, patties and sausages are ideal candidates for protein fortification through the addition of chicken protein isolate. When combined with whole grain pasta, an ordinary meal becomes a nutrient-packed power food.
“Our chicken protein isolate powders are 85 percent high-quality protein, meaning they contain all of the essential amino acids in the amounts that the body requires to function at its best,” says Stephanie Lynch, vice president of sales, marketing and technology at International Dehydrated Foods, Inc., Springfield, Missouri. “We recommend adding them to foods that already contain chicken to boost the product’s total protein content.”
According to the US Dept. of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, any packaged food containing more than 2 percent chicken – or other animal protein – must be processed under USDA inspection. Therefore, most common foods already made with chicken, such as gravies, meals and soups, can readily be enhanced with chicken protein isolate powder to make them more attractive to protein-seeking consumers.
“Manufacturers with USDA-inspected facilities however, have an advantage over non-USDA manufacturers in their ability to fortify foods with chicken protein isolate powder,” Lynch says. “They can uniquely turn their everyday foods into exceptional high-quality protein sports nutrition products with real chicken, often the preferred source for serious athletes. Combining the trend for savory foods with proteins that best fit with savory systems, like chicken, is another advantage for food manufacturers.”
Conventional and organic protein powders are available. They are defatted, dehydrated spray-dried powders made from 100 percent real chicken meat and void of carbohydrates.
