Effects of protein formula and extrusion cooking conditions on the techno-functional properties of texturised pea proteins

Pea protein concentrate and isolate were blended to obtain protein blend formulas (PBFs) with three levels of protein content and investigated for their potential for developing texturised vegetable proteins (TVPs). PBFs were extruded at three screw speeds and two feed moisture contents to obtain TVPs. Nitrogen solubility index (NSI) and techno-functional properties, i.e. water holding capacity, oil absorbance capacity, emulsion capacity and emulsion stability, of the raw materials and the TVPs were examined. Raising the protein content through PBF decreased NSI for both the raw formulas and the TVPs. Regardless of the PBF, extrusion processing substantially decreased NSI, but increased oil absorption capacity. Extrusion's impact on water holding capacity, emulsion capacity and stability was complex and might have been impacted by the protein content and source. Overall, PBF's impact on the techno-functionality of TVPs was more pronounced than that of extrusion conditions. At higher PBF, the NSI, emulsion capacity and stability values of TVPs were negatively impacted, implying that high protein content does not equate to better TVP quality. Future, TVP techno-functionality research should focus on a wider range of extrusion screw speed and feed moisture content or the effects of protein content and source.