What is textured wheat protein?
Textured wheat protein (TWP) is a dry plant protein product made by extruding vital wheat gluten at high temperature and pressure into a fibrous, meat-like structure. Rehydrated in water it gains a chewy, fibrous texture. Protein content is typically 65–75%. It is used alone or together with soy and pea protein in plant-based meat alternatives.
How is it produced?
Vital gluten (sometimes mixed with wheat flour or pea protein) is fed with water into an extruder; under high temperature (140–170 °C), pressure and shear the proteins align and expand at the die into a fibrous structure. The product is dried, cut and separated into mince (2–6 mm), chunk (10–20 mm) or slice formats. Grades coloured with caramel or beet give a meat-like appearance.
Comparison with soy protein
Compared with textured soy protein (TVP), wheat protein is chewier with longer fibres, more neutral in taste and free of soy allergen, but it contains gluten and cannot be used in gluten-free products. Both proteins are often combined to balance texture and amino acid profile.
Applications in food manufacturing
Plant-based burgers, meatballs, döner, sausages and nuggets; ready meals, fillings and sauces; extender in meat products (5–15%); vegetarian dry mixes. Rehydration ratio is about 1:2.5–3; 1 kg dry product yields 3–4 kg hydrated product.
Technical properties and quality criteria
Check protein (≥ 65–75%, dry basis), moisture (≤ 10%), rehydration ratio, piece size and distribution, colour, fat, ash, microbiological values and allergen statement (gluten). Texture and tear resistance after rehydration are decisive for the application; sample trials are recommended.
What to check when buying
The target product (burger, döner, mince) determines piece size. For coloured product check the colourant used and labelling compliance. Test compatibility with methylcellulose or transglutaminase as binder. Obtain the specification, lot-specific COA, allergen statement and halal/non-GMO statements with the quotation.
Wholesale sourcing: price and minimum order
The wholesale price of textured wheat protein is set by the gluten market, protein content, piece format, colouring and order quantity. Because the product is light and bulky, pallet weight is low; the typical minimum order is one pallet. PERDIST identifies the format and grade suited to your target product, 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.