Novel fermentation process will unlock rice bran protein potential, says Nutraceutical Innovations

Rice bran - the nutrient-dense outer layer of the brown rice kernel after the husk has been removed - was until recently regarded as a waste by-product of commercial rice-milling and used as low-grade animal feed.

However, now that techniques have been developed to stop it deteriorating after milling, it has recently become a source of high quality ingredients for the human nutrition market.  

Fermented rice bran ingredients: Nutrient dense and economical​

While there are already several players in the rice ingredients arena including Axiom​, AIDP​, and RiceBran Technologies​ - some of who focus just on rice bran and others on all parts of the rice kernel; Fayetteville, AR-based Nutraceutical Innovations reckons that its patent-pending technology will unlock new opportunities because it can produce high protein ingredients more cost effectively.

The firm, which uses technology licensed from the University of Arkansas, uses a proprietary fermentation process to release protein and fiber from the bran, said Kimberley Fuller, president and CEO of consultancy Discovery Associates, which is supporting Nutraceutical Innovations.

Rather than conducting a low temperature extraction of protein from whole grain rice, or using sprouted rice,  Nutraceutical Innovations is using defatted rice bran, "which is a relatively low cost by product of rice milling", ​she said, noting that it was cheaper than pea protein. ​

"Ultimately, we will be able to offer our customers a lower-cost, higher nutrient-dense plant-based protein."​

Asked how the products compared with those of rice bran specialist RiceBran technologies, she said: "While it looks like the protein content is similar between NutraBran and Proryza ​​[RiceBran Tech's high protein ingredient], it is important to keep in mind that NutraBran Solubles and NutraBran Fiber have a plethora of additional nutrients including phenolics, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and folic acid. Additionally, our products are lower fat, and because we believe we have a process advantage, there is no additional cost for these additional nutrients."​

More companies are looking to add fiber and protein to bars, smoothies, cereals…​

Currently, Nutraceutical Innovations is producing two key products: NutraBran Solubles (a water soluble 25.6% protein by weight, 3.3% fiber fermented rice bran ingredient); and NutraBran Fiber (a 42% fiber and 13.2% protein fermented rice bran ingredient) from pilot-scale facilities.

However, it is now completing financing to fund the construction of industrial scale facilities following positive feedback from food and beverage companies, said Fuller.

“Both​ products have had really positive feedback from the market as more companies are looking to add fiber and protein to everything from bars, and smoothies to meats products​,” she added.

Rice-based proteins are particularly attractive to food formulators - who are all on the hunt for new sources of plant-based protein right now - because they do not have the bitterness of some soy and pea proteins, they can be marketed as non-GMO, and they are hypoallergenic, she said.

As regards the commercialization plan, Nutraceutical Innovations is exploring partnerships with companies that could help bring the ingredients to a wider audience, she said.

NutraBran Solubles is water soluble, high in protein, and low in fat​

NutraBran Solubles​ is high in protein (25% by weight), but has good water solubility. It is also high in potassium, calcium, folic acid, and inositol and is well-suited to energy drinks and fruit juices, smoothies, baked goods, meats, cereals and snacks.  

NutraBran Fiber​ is high in fiber (42% by weight; a combination of insoluble and soluble fiber) and protein (13% by weight) and offers high levels of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It is suitable for baked goods, cereals, smoothies, meats and snacks.

Both ingredients have a mild or bland flavor and are supplied as a light tan-colored powder.

Nutraceutical Innovations​ is a portfolio company of VIC Technology Venture Development​, a private, for-profit, technology venture development firm.