Textured Soy Protein: Applications and Customization Solutions
In today’s pursuit of healthy and sustainable eating, textured soy protein is quietly reshaping our diets. From vegetarian burgers to classic meatballs, this versatile ingredient is transforming the way we experience food. But what exactly is textured soy protein, and how does it acquire its many forms? Let’s explore the science behind it. What Is Textured Soy Protein? Textured soy protein is a protein-rich product made from defatted soybean meal. Through a series of physical processes, it develops a meat-like fibrous structure. Its origins trace back to the 1960s, when scientists discovered that heating and extrusion could realign soy protein molecules into a three-dimensional structure similar to muscle fibers—an impressive breakthrough in food technology. Inside a high-temperature, high-pressure extruder, soy protein undergoes denaturation, breaking intermolecular bonds and recombining into new arrangements. As it exits the die, the sudden pressure drop causes rapid water evaporatio...