Production process for high-quality pea-protein isolate with low content of oligosaccharides and phytate

A process for pea-protein isolate production, resulting in low content of phytate and oligosaccharides, has been developed. Oligosaccharides were removed from the protein fraction through ultrafiltration. Ultrafiltration of 50- and 100-kD molecular-weight cutoffs (MWCOs) were tested, and both effectively separated the oligosaccharides from the protein. Phytate degradation was achieved by incubation of the pea-protein solution by addition of exogenous phytase enzyme. An almost complete degradation of inositol hexa-, penta-, tetra-, and triphosphates was reached using an incubation time of 1 h. The reduced content of oligosaccharides and inositol phosphates is likely to result in reduced flatulence and improved mineral bioavailability. These qualities of the pea-protein isolate make it a suitable protein source for infant formula production.