If you read our whey protein articles, you'll know that there are whey protein concentrates and whey protein isolates. Soy protein is no different - it also has concentrates and isolates. These refer to the process by which the proteins are produced, and the quality of the protein. Isolate is always a higher quality protein. Let's take a look at soy protein concentrate and isolate.
Soy protein concentrate are made from defatted soy beans, by removing most of the water soluble, non-protein ingredients. Most of the carbohydrates remain in soy protein concentrate, so it tends to have some soy bean flavors. Soy protein concentrate contain at least 65% protein on a moisture free basis. In our Nitro-tech protein supplement review, we talked in some detail about Nitro-tech's claim of 97% whey protein isolate. You can read a bit more about it here.
The thing is that often times, you gotta be careful about what the manufacturers are labeling.
Protein isolates will always be more pure than concentrates. And also be ware of how the protein content is reported, either as "dry basis" or "as-is basis". Reporting by as-is basis is more reflective of the true protein contents, since all protein supplements will have some moisture. Reporting as "dry basis" allows the lablers to make it look like there's about 4 to 8% extra protein than an "as-is basis".
Soy protein isolates are the most pure and refined soy protein available. Soy protein isolates are made from defatted soy beans, with most other ingredients removed leaving almost all protein. Usually, soy protein isolates contain 90% + protein on a moisture free (dry) basis. Soy protein isolates will also be more 'neutral' flavored, compared to soy concentrates, mainly because almost everything else is removed except the protein. Unlike soy concentrate, the carbohydrates are also removed, so the soy bean taste is also removed.
Textured soy protein are made from soy protein concentrates. They're made to resemble various meat products such as beef, pork, chicken, or seafood when hydrated.
Many people now supplement soy protein powder for the health benefits. Read more about soy protein benefits here. Soy protein not only provides a full spectrum of amino acids, it also helps lower cholesterol and reduce heart related diseases. You can find all types of soy protein supplements online at much cheaper prices than retail. Follow the links below.
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