What is pea fiber?
Pea fibre is a neutral-tasting, light-coloured functional food fibre obtained from the hull or cell wall of yellow peas (Pisum sativum). Total dietary fibre ranges from 50% to 90% by grade. Its water-holding capacity is high; it can bind 4–8 times its own weight in water. Free of gluten, soy and dairy, it is used in clean-label formulations to reduce the load of phosphates and some hydrocolloids.
Inner fibre versus hull fibre
Hull fibre is milled from the pea hull; it is rich in cellulose, reaches 85–90% fibre and has coarser particles. Inner fibre is the cell wall fraction left after protein and starch are removed; it has a higher soluble fibre share, stronger water-holding capacity and a softer effect on texture. Inner fibre is generally preferred in meat products and hull fibre in bakery.
Applications in food manufacturing
In sausages, cold cuts, meatballs and processed meat it binds water and fat and improves cooking yield; in plant-based meat alternatives it provides texture and juiciness; in bread and bakery it retains moisture, delays staling and raises fibre content; in gluten-free bakery it gives structure; in instant soups and sauces it supports viscosity. Typical usage is 1–3% in meat and 2–5% in bakery.
Technical properties and quality criteria
Check total dietary fibre (50–90%), water-holding capacity (WHC; 1:4–1:8), oil binding capacity, particle size (100–200 mesh), moisture (≤ 10%), colour, residual protein, microbiological values and allergen/GMO statements. WHC measurement methods differ between suppliers; make sure the method is the same when comparing.
What to check when buying
Define first whether your application relies on water binding or fibre enrichment: high-WHC inner fibre for water binding, high total fibre hull fibre for a nutrition claim. Colour and taste matter in light-coloured products; sample evaluation is recommended. China, Canada and Belgium are common origins. Obtain the specification, lot-specific COA, allergen/GMO statements and organic certificate where needed with the quotation.
Wholesale sourcing: price and minimum order
The wholesale price of pea fibre is set by fibre grade (inner/hull), total fibre, particle fineness, organic certification, origin and order quantity. The typical minimum order is one pallet (500–1000 kg). PERDIST identifies the grade suited to your application, compares sources and provides a written quotation with documents.
Frequently asked questions
Need current pricing, minimum order, origin or technical documents for this ingredient? Tell us the application and monthly quantity; we reply with a written quotation within one business day.