What is pumpkin seed protein?
Pumpkin seed protein is a plant protein powder obtained by milling and sieving the press cake left after cold pressing pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo) for oil. Typical protein content is 60–65%; because about 10–12% fat remains, it has a mild nutty taste and a dark green-brown colour. It is free of soy, gluten and dairy and rich in iron, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus.
How is it produced?
Hulled pumpkin seeds are cold pressed (≤ 40 °C); the oil is sold separately. The remaining cake is dried, milled in a hammer mill and sieved to 60–100 mesh. Some producers add a second de-oiling step to raise protein to 70%. Organic-certified production is common because the raw material usually comes from organic oil production.
Nutritional value and amino acid profile
Pumpkin seed protein is rich in arginine, glutamic acid and branched-chain amino acids; lysine is moderate. Though not a complete protein alone, it forms a balanced profile when blended with pea or rice protein. Its natural mineral content supports clean-label nutrition claims.
Applications in food manufacturing
Protein powder blends, sports and nutrition products, plant-based milk and beverage powders, protein bars, breakfast cereals and granola, bakery, protein enrichment of plant-based meat alternatives. Because its green colour shows in light products, it is easier to apply in cocoa, coffee or dark-coloured formulations.
Technical properties and quality criteria
Check protein (60–65%, N×6.25, dry basis), fat (≤ 10–12%), moisture (≤ 8%), particle size, colour, peroxide value (indicator of fat oxidation), microbiological values and heavy metal analyses. Organic certificate, non-GMO and allergen statements are requested by application.
What to check when buying
Because of its fat content the product is prone to oxidation; prefer recently produced lots with a low peroxide value. Taste varies with seed variety and pressing temperature; sample evaluation is recommended. China, Austria and Türkiye are common origins. Obtain the specification, lot-specific COA, allergen statement and organic certificate where needed with the quotation.
Wholesale sourcing: price and minimum order
The wholesale price of pumpkin seed protein is set by protein content, organic certification, origin, the pumpkin seed oil market and order quantity. The typical minimum order is one pallet (500 kg). PERDIST identifies the grade suited to your application, compares sources and provides a written quotation with documents.
Frequently asked questions
Specification summary
The values below come from the Pumpkin Seed Protein page of the PERDIST catalogue and are confirmed per batch with the specification and certificate of analysis on every shipment.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Typical properties | Protein 60–65% (N×6.25, dry basis), fat ≤ 10–12%, moisture ≤ 8%, dark green-brown colour, 60–100 mesh. Values vary by supplier specification. |
| Applications | Protein powder blends, sports and nutrition products, plant-based milk and beverage powders, protein bars, breakfast cereals and granola, bakery products. |
| Formulation note | Neutral-nutty taste; the green colour shows in light-coloured products. Blending with pea or rice protein balances the amino acid profile. Medium water-holding capacity. |
| Shelf life and storage | Typically 12–18 months in unopened packaging; store cool, dry and away from light because of the fat content. |
| Packaging | Typically 20–25 kg kraft bags with PE inner liner; pallets of 500–1000 kg. Big bags considered on request. |
| Minimum order | Usually one pallet (500 kg). Smaller quantities for trial production are stated in the quotation depending on product and supplier. |
| Origin | Common origins: China, Austria, Türkiye. Documented per lot in the quotation. |
Documents to request from the supplier
- Protein calculation: the nitrogen factor (N×6.25) and whether the value is on dry matter.
- Solubility and particle distribution data, plus notes on the taste profile.
- Batch certificate of analysis and origin document, showing the number of the batch shipped.
For supplier selection, auditing and the approved supplier list, see the supplier evaluation and approval guide.
Sample and approval steps
The steps from requesting a sample to the application trial and keeping a reference sample are set out in the ingredient sample evaluation and approval guide.
Regulatory and documentation context
Protein content and wording such as "high protein" fall under nutrition claim rules: the Turkish Food Codex regulation on nutrition and health claims, and Regulation 1924/2006 in the EU. Allergen declaration is required separately for egg and plant proteins.
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.