Soy Protein Concentrate · Functional Protein for Meat, Poultry, Fish, Bakery & Nutrition
Soy protein concentrate (SPC) is a functional soy protein ingredient typically containing around 65–70% protein (dry basis). It is widely used in processed meats, poultry and fish products, plant-based meat analogues, bakery items, snacks and nutrition bars. Thanks to its water- and fat-binding, emulsification and texture-building properties, soy protein concentrate helps manufacturers improve yield, slicing, juiciness and nutritional profile while optimising cost-in-use. Atlas Global Trading Co. supplies food-grade SPC from qualified Chinese producers, backed by technical documentation, regulatory support and reliable global logistics.
Soy protein concentrate can be used alone or together with soy isolates, starches, fibres and hydrocolloids to create robust functional systems. Explore the full Proteins & Plant Proteins portfolio or browse our Product Index (A–Z) for complementary texturising and stabilising ingredients.
Soy protein concentrate: workhorse functional protein for meat & plant-based systems
Soy protein concentrate is produced by removing a portion of the soluble carbohydrates from defatted soy meal, resulting in a protein-rich ingredient with valuable functional properties. It is a key tool in meat, poultry and fish processing as well as plant-based and high-protein food concepts, where it helps manage water, fat, texture and nutrition.
Key characteristics
- Raw material: High-quality, defatted soybean meal processed to concentrate protein.
- Typical protein level: usually around 65–70% protein (on dry basis), with alternative protein contents available for specific applications.
- Form: off-white to light cream powder with a characteristic soy taste, designed for easy dispersion in meat batters and doughs.
- Functional properties:
- Water-binding and fat-binding – helps retain moisture and fat, increasing yield and succulence,
- Emulsification – stabilises fat–water systems in sausages, patties and processed meats,
- Texture and structure – contributes to binding, sliceability and bite in meat and plant-based products.
- Processing forms: SPC can be supplied as powder for brines, batters and dry blends; texturised forms are typically marketed separately as texturised soy protein (TSP/TVP).
- Nutritional profile:
- Good source of high-quality plant protein,
- Low in saturated fat and naturally cholesterol-free,
- Suitable for vegetarian and vegan products when used with appropriate co-ingredients.
- Allergen status: Soy is a major food allergen in many jurisdictions; finished products must be labelled in line with local allergen regulations.
- Regulatory & labelling: usually declared as “soy protein concentrate” or “soy protein”. Permitted uses and claims depend on local food laws.
Atlas works closely with R&D and production teams to match SPC grades and functional properties to specific meat, poultry, fish, plant-based and bakery applications.
Indicative specification points
Specifications are tailored to each SPC grade and application. Typical food-grade soy protein concentrate parameters include:
- Protein (N×6.25): generally around 65–70% (on dry basis), as agreed per grade.
- Moisture: controlled to ensure flowability, shelf life and predictable functionality.
- Fat: low, with specified maximum values consistent with defatted soy raw material.
- Ash: defined limits supporting ionic strength and flavour expectations.
- Particle size: adapted for rapid hydration and homogeneous dispersion in meat batters, brines and doughs.
- Bulk density: selected to support mixing, conveying and dosing in industrial environments.
- Water absorption & fat absorption: characterised through standard tests to predict yield and texture impact in target recipes.
- pH (in suspension): monitored to assure consistency and compatibility with meat systems and brines.
- Microbiological criteria: compliant with food safety requirements for protein ingredients used in RTE and cooked products, when handled under good manufacturing practice.
- Contaminants & heavy metals: monitored according to international guidelines and customer specifications.
Each batch is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a detailed technical data sheet. Additional documents (GMO status, allergen declarations, dietary suitability, contaminants, origin, Halal/Kosher certificates) can be provided from approved producers to support audits and regulatory submissions.
Soy protein concentrate in meat, poultry, fish, plant-based products, bakery & nutrition
Soy protein concentrate is a multi-purpose functional protein used to improve yield, texture and nutrition in processed meats, plant-based products, bakery items and high-protein snacks. Application levels and grades are selected based on the desired functionality, cost and label profile.
Processed meats, poultry & fish
- Emulsified sausages & frankfurters – SPC helps stabilise fat–water emulsions, improving cook yield, firmness, bite and sliceability.
- Cooked and injected hams – added to brines and tumbling systems where SPC supports water retention, cohesion and uniform slicing.
- Formed products (burgers, nuggets, patties, meatballs) – improves binding, juiciness and dimensional stability, reducing cooking losses and breakage.
- Fish and seafood products – selected use in fish balls, surimi-type products and formed seafood items where SPC supports protein matrix strength and yield.
- Economy and mid-tier products – SPC is often used to help optimise cost-in-use while maintaining target sensory and nutritional profiles.
Plant-based meat analogues
- Plant-based burgers, nuggets & strips – SPC contributes to binding, juiciness and texture alongside texturised soy proteins, pea proteins and fibres.
- Hybrid meat–plant products – partial substitution of meat with SPC and other plant proteins to support flexitarian and sustainability-focused concepts.
- Ready meals & meat-style fillings – application in plant-based fillings for dumplings, pies, wraps and sauces to improve protein content, structure and freeze–thaw stability.
Bakery, snacks & cereals
- Breads & rolls – SPC can be used to increase protein content and slightly enhance water absorption and softness in certain formulations.
- Bakery mixes & pancakes – inclusion in high-protein or better-for-you mixes where soy on the label is acceptable.
- Snack & protein bars – SPC provides protein and structure in cereal and nut bars, often in combination with other proteins.
- Breakfast cereals & extruded snacks – use in extruded flakes, shapes and high-protein snacks to raise protein levels and support positioning.
Nutrition, beverages & other applications
- Nutrition bars & meal replacements – SPC is used alongside soy isolate, dairy or plant proteins to construct the desired protein blend and texture.
- Soups, sauces & savoury systems – SPC supports body, stability and protein enrichment in certain soups, sauces and gravies.
- Other industrial uses – incorporation into convenience foods and ready meals where water management, structure and protein content are important.
Formulation & process guidance
- Dosage guidelines (to be optimised per recipe):
- Emulsified and cooked sausages: often in the range of 1–5% SPC in the finished product,
- Brined and injected products: dosage based on brine solids and target yield,
- Plant-based and hybrid products: SPC levels depend on the protein system (TSP/TVP, isolates, pea protein) and desired texture.
- Hydration & mixing:
- Pre-hydration of SPC in water or brine is often recommended to maximise functionality,
- Hydration conditions (time, temperature, shear) impact water binding and emulsion stability.
- Process interactions:
- SPC performance is influenced by salt, phosphates, pH and temperature in meat systems,
- Heat treatments (cooking, pasteurisation, retorting) affect final texture and water-holding,
- In plant-based systems, SPC works together with texturised proteins, fibres and hydrocolloids to deliver the final bite and juiciness.
- Regulatory & labelling considerations:
- Soy must be clearly declared as an allergen where required by law,
- Protein-related claims must follow local thresholds and calculation rules,
- Positioning (e.g. “plant-based”, “vegan”, “high protein”) should be verified for each market.
System solutions with soy protein concentrate
Atlas can supply soy protein concentrate as a stand-alone functional protein or as part of integrated systems combining SPC with soy isolates, texturised soy, starches, fibres, hydrocolloids, phosphates, antioxidants and flavours for meat, poultry, fish, plant-based products, bakery and nutrition applications. We help align yield targets, texture, cost-in-use and regulatory requirements using the broader Atlas portfolio.
Discuss soy protein concentrate applicationsQuality, regulatory & supply chain support for soy protein concentrate
Atlas Global Trading Co. works with qualified soy protein concentrate manufacturers in China and coordinates logistics and documentation from Ankara, Türkiye, serving meat, poultry, fish, plant-based, bakery and nutrition manufacturers in regional and global markets.
Quality & documentation
- Supplied as food-grade soy protein concentrate with agreed specifications for protein content, functional properties (water/fat binding, emulsification) and impurity limits.
- Each batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a technical data sheet summarising key analytical parameters and methods.
- Additional documentation can include GMO status, allergen declarations, dietary suitability (vegetarian/vegan), heavy metals and contaminants, pesticide residues, origin and Halal/Kosher certificates, depending on producer and grade.
- Production sites typically operate under recognised quality and food safety management systems (e.g. HACCP, FSSC/ISO 22000), with further certifications available on request.
- Customers remain responsible for regulatory compliance, allergen labelling, protein and nutrition claims, additive use and marketing statements in each destination market.
Packaging, storage & logistics
- Standard packaging: usually 20–25 kg multi-wall bags or fibre drums with inner liners to protect against moisture uptake, contamination and caking. Alternative pack sizes can be considered for specific supply chains.
- Suitable for full-container or mixed-container loads together with other proteins, plant proteins, stabilisers, phosphates and functional ingredients.
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from strong odours and direct sunlight to maintain colour, flavour and functional performance.
- Typical shelf life is defined in the product specification and on the COA; customers should verify functionality, sensory profile and microbiological stability in their own processes and shelf-life studies.
- Shipments can be arranged under FOB, CFR, CIF or other agreed Incoterms, with export, customs and quality documentation coordinated from Ankara, Türkiye.
To receive a tailored offer, please share your intended applications (sausages, hams, burgers, nuggets, plant-based products, bakery, snacks, nutrition bars, etc.), target protein and yield goals, process conditions (chopping, tumbling, injection, cooking), annual volume, packaging needs, documentation/certification requirements and destination markets. Our team will recommend suitable soy protein concentrate grades and integrated ingredient concepts.