Understanding Protein Claims

by Maynard Go | 5 min read | Regulatory | Protein

What Qualifies as "High Protein"?

Consumers are increasingly seeking foods and beverages that deliver meaningful amounts of protein, making protein content claims an important marketing tool. However, under U.S. FDA regulations, simply adding protein to a formulation is not enough. Products must meet specific nutritional and protein quality requirements before claims such as "Good Source of Protein" or "High in Protein" can appear on a product label.

FDA Protein Claim Requirements

The FDA bases protein content claims on the amount of qualifying protein provided in a serving, expressed as a percentage of the Daily Value (DV), which is currently 50 grams for adults and children four years of age and older.

A finished product may qualify for the following claims:

Why Protein Quality Matters

Unlike many nutrients, FDA protein claims are based on both the quantity and quality of the protein. To determine whether a product qualifies, the FDA uses the Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS), which evaluates:

• Essential amino acid composition
• Protein digestibility
• Overall biological quality

The protein content declared on the Nutrition Facts Panel is multiplied by the protein's PDCAAS value to determine the amount of qualifying protein that counts toward an FDA protein claim.

This distinction is particularly important for plant-based proteins. While many plant proteins contain significant amounts of protein, their PDCAAS values may reduce the amount of protein that qualifies for nutrient content claims.

Protein Claims vs. Total Protein

It's important to distinguish between protein content claims and total protein declared on the label. Manufacturers may state the total grams of plant protein contained in a serving (for example, "20 grams of plant protein"), even if that amount is not adjusted for PDCAAS. However, FDA-regulated nutrient content claims such as "Good Source of Protein" and "High in Protein" must be based on the corrected, PDCAAS-adjusted protein value.

Formulation Considerations

Developing products that qualify for protein claims often requires more than simply increasing protein levels. Ingredient selection, protein quality, amino acid profile, digestibility, serving size, and the product's final formulation all influence whether a claim can be made.

At Nature's Ingredients, we work with manufacturers to select functional plant proteins that help achieve nutritional targets while supporting taste, texture, processing performance, and label compliance.

Hemptiva^® Hulled Hemp Seed (Hemp Hearts) and
Hemptiva^® Hulled Hemp Seed - Topping

Nutrient-Dense Plant Nutrition with Functional Food Versatility

Hulled hemp seeds – commonly known as hemp hearts – are the soft, creamy inner kernel of the hemp seed with the fibrous outer shell removed. This minimally processed ingredient delivers a highly functional nutritional profile rich in complete plant protein, essential fatty acids, fiber, and micronutrients while maintaining a mild, nutty flavor and smooth texture ideal for modern food applications.

Technical Nutritional Highlights

Complete Plant Protein

Hemp hearts provide approximately 10 g of protein per 30 g serving (about 3 tablespoons) and contain highly digestible storage proteins including edestin and albumin.

Key Protein Characteristics

• Contains all 9 essential amino acids
• Rich in arginine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)
• Highly digestible protein due to hull removal
• Naturally free from allergens
• Well suited for high-protein and functional nutrition applications

Essential Fatty Acid Profile

Hemp hearts contain approximately 13–15 g of healthy fats per 30 g serving, primarily composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Typical Fatty Acid Composition

• Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid): ~55–60%
  Supports heart health, skin integrity, and normal physiological function.
• Omega-3 (Alpha-Linolenic Acid): ~15–20%
  Supports cardiovascular and cognitive wellness.
• Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
  Naturally occurring fatty acid recognized for supporting skin health and overall wellness.
• Favorable Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio: Approximately 3
  Helps support a balanced inflammatory response and overall nutritional balance.

Micronutrient Density

Hemp hearts deliver meaningful levels of essential minerals and antioxidants, including:

• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Iron
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Vitamin E (tocopherols)

Low-Carbohydrate & Keto-Friendly

Hemp hearts are naturally low in net carbohydrates and suitable for:

• Keto formulations
• Paleo diets
• Low-glycemic food systems
• High-protein functional nutrition platforms

Functional & Formulation Benefits

Texture & Sensory Performance

• Soft, creamy bite without grittiness
• Mild nutty flavor with broad flavor compatibility
• Smooth mouthfeel in blended systems and dairy alternatives
• Adds richness and texture without excessive starch loading

Processing Advantages

• Readily incorporated into a wide range of formulations with minimal processing
• Excellent cold-process compatibility
• Stable in dry blends and bakery systems
• Compatible with high-protein and clean-label formulations

Allergen-Friendly Positioning

Hemp hearts are naturally:

• Dairy-free
• Soy-free
• Gluten-free
• Tree Nut-Free*
• Vegan and plant-based

*While hemp is not classified as a tree nut, cross-contact protocols should still be verified by manufacturers.

Formulate Smarter, Deliver More

Other Other Hemptiva^® Ingredients
Available in Organic and Non GMO versions

Product Details

Pisiva^® Pea Protein 90% - Hydrolyzed
(Clear - Pea Collagen Peptides)

The Future of Collagen is Plant-Based and Crystal Clear

Pisiva^® Pea Protein 90% – Hydrolyzed (Clear) is a low–molecular weight hydrolyzed pea protein engineered for complete solubility, optical clarity, and advanced functional performance in modern high-protein systems. Through controlled enzymatic hydrolysis, the native pea protein matrix is converted into highly uniform peptide fractions that are 100% soluble, enabling rapid hydration, easy incorporation, and consistent performance across food, beverage, consumer products, and supplement applications.

These peptides offer excellent water solubility with low viscosity contribution and minimal impact on flavor or color—supporting higher protein fortification without compromising sensory quality. Pea peptides also provide a naturally balanced amino acid profile, including branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine, making them well suited for products positioned for active nutrition, muscle support, and everyday wellness.

From a formulation standpoint, Pisiva^® Pea Collagen Peptides provide broad functional versatility. They disperse easily in hot or cold systems, remain stable across a wide pH range, and perform well in ready-to-mix powders, RTD beverages, bars, gummies, and baked applications. The mild, neutral flavor profile helps reduce the need for masking systems—supporting cleaner labels and simplified formulation.

Collagen-style peptides are widely valued for their association with beauty-from-within, joint support, mobility, and overall wellness. Pisiva^® Pea Collagen Peptides allow brands to deliver these benefits in a plant-based, allergen-conscious format that aligns with evolving consumer preferences for clean, effective, and inclusive nutrition.

Technical and Functional Benefits

• Instant Hydration & Dispersion
  Rapid wetting enables immediate incorporation in cold, ambient, and lightly heated systems, reducing mixing time and eliminating clumping.
• Low Viscosity Delivering High Protein Loads
  Controlled hydrolysis reduces molecular chain length, enabling elevated protein inclusion without excessive viscosity development or negative mouthfeel impact.
• Neutral Flavor & Minimal Color Contribution
  Minimized bitterness and reduced pea-associated flavor notes support cleaner flavor systems with no masking requirements.
• Excellent Processing Versatility
  Compatible with high-shear mixing, thermal processing, UHT, and aseptic RTD manufacturing conditions, including hydroalcoholic processing environments.
• Stability in Low-Alcohol Systems
  Maintains solubility and dispersion stability in low-alcohol beverages (typically ≤0.5–5% ABV), including hydroalcoholic functional drinks where protein precipitation is a common formulation challenge.
• Broad pH System Compatibility
  Stable across acidic, neutral, and lightly alkaline systems, supporting diverse beverage architectures.
• BCAA-containing amino acid profile to support active nutrition positioning

Application Advantages (Beverage Focus)

Pisiva^® Pea Protein 90% – Hydrolyzed is optimized for clarity-driven, functional beverage systems where solubility, stability, and sensory neutrality are critical:

• Clear Protein Waters – transparent hydration beverages with zero haze and clean mouthfeel
• Functional Hydration Drinks – electrolyte + protein systems for performance and recovery
• RTD Clear Protein Beverages – shelf-stable ready-to-drink protein formats with high clarity
• Juice-Style Protein Beverages – citrus, berry, and tropical profiles with stable protein dispersion in acidic systems
• Carbonated Functional Beverages – sparkling protein waters and lightly carbonated wellness drinks with stable solubility under CO₂
• Low-Alcohol Functional Beverages – flavored hard seltzer–style systems, low-ABV functional spritz formats, botanical + protein blends requiring protein stability without haze or precipitation
• Wellness & Nutritional Shots – concentrated functional formats with high actives loading and low viscosity
• Sports Performance Beverages – intra- and post-workout hydration systems combining amino acids and protein delivery

Pisiva^® is plant-based, gluten-free, hypoallergenic, and highly digestible, supporting clean-label innovation and broad consumer accessibility. Its fully soluble peptide architecture removes traditional pea protein limitations, enabling next-generation clear beverage systems—including low-alcohol applications—where stability, clarity, and processing performance are essential.

Protein Perfected. Simply Pea.

Other Pisiva^® Pea Ingredients
Available in Organic and Non-GMO versions

Product Details

Pisiva^® Pea Protein - Meat

Your Partner in Next-Generation Meat Innovation

Pisiva^® Pea Protein – Meat delivers tailored performance for next-generation plant-based meat alternatives and traditional meat applications. Designed to deliver structure, juiciness, and bite in plant-based and hybrid meat systems – without compromising flavor or process efficiency. Pisiva^® Pea Protein – Meat supports formulators in achieving specific solubility, emulsification, viscosity, gelling, and water-holding properties, allowing you to create consistent textures and superior product quality. With clean flavor and versatile functionality, it provides formulators with a reliable, high-quality protein solution.

Why Choose Pisiva^® Pea Protein?

Whether you're developing fully plant-based products or optimizing hybrid formulations, Pisiva^® provides the flexibility to meet your targets:

• Adjust viscosity and gel strength for specific textures
• Improve sliceability and structure in high-moisture systems
• Enhance binding and reduce formulation variability
• Support cost optimization without sacrificing quality

Pisiva^® Pea Protein – Meat goes beyond basic functionality to help you create the texture, juiciness, and flavor people expect from great meat products—while keeping labels clean and supporting more sustainable choices. It’s a flexible, customizable solution that makes it easier to scale, simplify your process, and consistently deliver high-quality products your customers will love.

Protein Perfected. Simply Pea.

Other Pisiva^® Pea Ingredients
Available in Organic and Non-GMO versions

Product Details

Pisiva^® Pea Fiber

Advance consumer appeal in clean label food with just-right texture

Pisiva^® Pea Fiber is a versatile, plant-based ingredient engineered to elevate both functionality and nutrition in modern food formulations. It enhances texture by contributing to a fuller, more cohesive structure, while its strong water-binding capacity helps retain moisture throughout processing and shelf life. This results in improved juiciness, reduced syneresis, and greater overall product stability. Its consistent performance across a range of processing conditions – such as mixing, heating, extrusion, and freezing – allows formulators to maintain control over texture and yield in even the most demanding applications.

With a clean, neutral taste and color, Pisiva^® Pea Fiber integrates seamlessly into both conventional and plant-based systems without impacting flavor profiles or requiring additional masking. It works effectively alongside proteins, starches, and hydrocolloids to fine-tune viscosity, improve binding, and reinforce structural integrity – making it a valuable tool for optimizing formulation performance while simplifying ingredient decks.

As consumer demand accelerates for fiber-enriched, clean-label foods, Pisiva^® Pea Fiber enables brands to deliver products that meet both nutritional and sensory expectations. It supports fiber fortification and label-friendly positioning while enhancing mouthfeel, bite, and overall eating experience. At the same time, it contributes to process efficiency by improving handling, minimizing variability, and supporting higher yields—helping manufacturers scale confidently without compromising on quality, taste, or consistency.

Why Choose Pisiva^® Pea Starch?

Protein Perfected. Simply Pea.

Other Pisiva^® Pea Ingredients
Available in Organic and Non-GMO versions

Product Details

Pisiva^® Pea Starch

Advance consumer appeal in clean label food with just-right texture

Pisiva^® Pea Starch is a native, clean-label starch designed to deliver consistent structure, texture, and stability across a wide range of food applications. With a neutral flavor and color, it integrates easily into both conventional and plant-based formulations without impacting taste or appearance—helping brands meet consumer demand for simple, recognizable ingredients.

Optimized for cooked and heat-treated systems, Pisiva^® Pea Starch features a high amylose content (~35%) that supports strong gel formation and structural integrity. Its medium viscosity, higher gelatinization temperature, and resistance to heat, shear, and acidic conditions make it a reliable alternative to tapioca starch. With restricted swelling power, it achieves effective gelation at lower usage levels, improving formulation efficiency. This makes it especially well-suited for applications requiring short, elastic textures, such as glass noodles and gummy confections.

Why Choose Pisiva^® Pea Starch?

As consumer demand continues to shift toward recognizable, plant-based ingredients, native starches offer a more transparent and label-friendly solution. Pisiva^® Pea Starch delivers reliable performance while helping brands meet clean-label and sustainability expectations.

Because it is native and non-modified, Pisiva^® Pea Starch:

• Native, non-modified for simple ingredient declarations
• Neutral taste and color for formulation flexibility
• Strong gelling and texturizing performance
• Stable across demanding processing conditions
• Supports plant-based and allergen-friendly positioning

Sourced from high-quality peas and processed without chemical modification, Pisiva^® Pea Starch delivers dependable performance while aligning with modern label and sustainability expectations.

Protein Perfected. Simply Pea.

Other Pisiva^® Pea Ingredients
Available in Organic and Non-GMO versions

Product Details

Pisiva^® Pea Proteins

Plant-Based Protein Performance Across a Wide Range of Nutritional Food and Beverage Systems

Nature’s Ingredients’ Pisiva^® Pea Proteins are affordable, allergen free, sustainable and earth-friendly alternatives to animal proteins. With excellent solubility and a neutral flavor profile, Pisiva^® can be incorporated into a wide range of food and beverage applications. It provides manufacturers with a clean label, protein rich, Non-GMO, and Organic ingredient option – well suited for today’s growing demand for plant-based nutrition.

Pisiva^® is one of the best vegan protein sources available for healthy diets due to its naturally balanced amino acid profile, including branched chain amino acids (BCAA’s), such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which are associated with muscle protein synthesis and active lifestyle nutrition. Pea protein has almost three times the arginine content of whey. Arginine promotes healthy blood flow and heart health. Pea protein contains lysine which promotes healthy cartilage, skin and bones. It is also a good source of iron and is known for easy digestibility, with research reporting high digestibility values.

Pea protein has a digestibility rate of 94%, meaning most of it will break down during digestion. Pea protein contains all nine essential amino acids the body must obtain from the diet. It can be slightly lower in methionine, which can be balanced by combining it with complementary plant proteins such as Ortiva® Rice Protein. Pisiva^® supports product development across sports nutrition, weight-management, and everyday wellness applications, where protein enrichment, satiety, and clean-label formulation are key drivers.

Formulators gravitate toward pea protein because it delivers a strong balance of functionality, nutrition, and label appeal – without many of the constraints tied to dairy or soy systems. Pea protein is selected because it’s not just a protein source – it’s a multi-functional ingredient platform that supports texture, stability, nutrition, and clean labeling in one system.

Protein Perfected. Simply Pea.

Other Pisiva^® Pea Ingredients
Available in Organic and Non-GMO versions

Product Details

Pisiva^® Pea Protein - Cold Gel

Cold-Set Structure. Process Flexibility Without Heat.

Pisiva^® Pea Protein – Cold Gel is an advanced functional pea protein designed to deliver gelation and structural integrity without the need for thermal activation. Unlike conventional proteins that rely on heat to denature and set, this specialized grade enables cold-set network formation – unlocking new formulation pathways for processors seeking efficiency, scalability, and product innovation.

Designed for systems where temperature control is critical, it provides immediate or controlled gel formation under cold or ambient conditions, allowing manufacturers to streamline production, reduce energy inputs, and maintain the integrity of heat-sensitive ingredients.

Why It Matters for Manufacturers

• Delivers reliable structure without heat – giving formulators greater control
• Improved processing flexibility
• Consistent texture in cold-processed and high-moisture applications

Pisiva^® Pea Protein – Cold Gel gives formulators precise control over texture development independent of heat, opening opportunities for cleaner processing, improved sustainability metrics, and differentiated product textures. It is particularly valuable in next-generation plant-based applications where cold processing, high moisture, and authentic bite are essential performance targets.

Protein Perfected. Simply Pea.

Other Pisiva^® Pea Ingredients
Available in Organic and Non-GMO versions

Product Details