Rice Protein Additional Information

Rice Protein Recipes

Available in:

  • Plain - 21 oz., 3 lbs., and 12 Single Serve Packets
  • Vanilla - 21 oz., 3 lbs., and 12 Single Serve Packets
  • Chocolate - 22.9 oz. and 12 Single Serve Packets
  • Mixed Berry - 21 oz., 3 lbs., and 12 Single Serve Packets

Why would I want to use Rice Protein? - Our Rice Protein is an excellent source of vegan protein. Most people are familiar with soy and whey protein, and while they each provide sound nutrition, rice protein offers additional benefits. Whey protein comes from milk, and some people either cannot or do not wish to use animal-based protein. Soy protein often is difficult for people to digest and may pose allergy risks. Our Rice Protein offers an alternative to soy without the animal products of whey. And, Rice Protein is utilized more efficiently by the body than soy. Rice Protein is suitable for use by those with food allergies and has even been used for gavage feeding (tube feeding) of infants, the elderly, and the severely ill. It has a mild flavor similar to that of Cream of Rice cereal and may be used in beverages, sprinkled on cereals and yogurt, and added to cooked dishes to boost the protein content without adding a lot of fat or calories.

Rice is a carbohydrate. How do you get protein from it? - All foods contain amino acids, which are the building blocks of what we collectively call protein. For instance, broccoli contains protein, as do all fruits and vegetables and grain products. We use a unique process that allows us to isolate the protein from the carbohydrate portion of the rice. The end result is an extensive amino acid profile that includes 19 amino acids including all 9 essential amino acids.

Does that mean the rice protein is chemically derived? I'm chemically intolerant and have to avoid food additives. - Our Rice Protein is not chemically processed. We use natural enzymes that are GMO free to break down and digest the carbohydrate portion of the rice, leaving behind the protein. Our method of extraction leaves a very pure protein, free of additives or chemicals that can cause sensitivities.

Is the Rice Protein organic? - Our Rice Protein is not certified organic, however, it has been tested and proven to be free of pesticides, herbicides, and PCBs. We will be introducing our new Organic Rice Protein on January 1, 2010, which will be available in Plain and Vanilla, 21 oz., 3 lbs., and Single Serve Packets.

I noticed your label gives a standard nutritional breakdown, which includes carbohydrate. What form is this carbohydrate in, and why is it there if I am buying rice protein? - The carbohydrate in the Rice Protein is a complex carbohydrate, a natural component of the product. This amount is very minimal. No sugars have been added to the Plain, Vanilla, or Mixed Berry. There is a small amount of rice syrup solids used to lightly sweeten the Chocolate.

Is Rice Protein considered a complete protein? - The term "complete protein" refers to a source of protein that contains all nine essential amino acids in adequate proportions. Rice Protein contains these nine amino acids, plus many other nonessential amino acids, but does not meet the required proportions of Lysine or Histidine. All of the amino acids in our Rice Protein are naturally occurring components of the rice. We have added nothing to our product. Persons on restrictive diets would do well to consult their health care practitioner or nutritionist before adopting or rejecting the use of our Rice Protein. We cannot recommend the use of our product to treat conditions other than hunger.  

For individuals looking for specific ratios of amino acids, the following chart will be helpful:

NATURALLY OCCURRING AMINO ACIDS PER 15 GRAM SERVING
Alanine652 mgIsoleucine*528 mgThreonine*442 mg
Arginine1098 mgLeucine*998 mgTryptophan*144 mg
Aspartic Acid1034 mgLysine*408 mgTyrosine648 mg
Cystine/2293 mgMethionine*381 mgValine*720 mg
Glutamic Acid2066 mgPhenylalanine*654 mg  
Glycine510 mgProline598 mg  
Histidine*254 mgSerine576 mg  

* Essential Amino Acids

Which amino acids have you added, and are they from natural or artificial sources?- All amino acids in the rice protein are naturally occurring components of the whole grain brown rice.

Can children take the Rice Protein? - The Rice Protein is safe for all ages. Please consult a physician or nutritionist for individual dietary needs.

What is the Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) of your Rice Protein? - The Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) is the measure of actual protein available for the body to use. This PER is related to the percentage of the protein digested by the body. With Rice Protein, after 4 hours better than 80% of the protein has been digested, compared to only about 57% for soy. The actual PER number of Rice Protein is 2.75. Egg is the highest at 3.99, milk is second with 3.45, rice third, and soy is last with a PER of 2.32.

Is your Rice Protein gluten free? - Yes, our Rice Protein is made from gluten free, whole grain, sprouted brown rice and is processed using organic plant enzymes that are not related to wheat or any of its relatives. Therefore, processing of the rice does not contaminate the rice protein with gluten in any way. We recommend that further concerns regarding the Rice Protein for those with severe food sensitivities should consult their doctor or dietician.

Does your Rice Protein contain any melamine? - Click here for a statement.

Should the Rice Protein be stored in the refrigerator? - We do not recommend storing the Rice Protein in the refrigerator as it may draw dampness.  We do suggest storing it in a cool, dry location such as a cupboard.