Methods for increasing digestibility of high-protein food compositions

Abstract

Disclosed is a method to prepare a myceliated high-protein food product with increased digestibility, decreased phytic acid component, decreased oryzacystatin, and/or increased polyphenol content, which includes culturing a fungi an aqueous media which has a high level of plant protein, for example at least 20 g protein per 100 g dry weight with excipients, on a dry weight basis. The plant protein can include pea, rice and/or chickpea. The fungi can include comprises Lentinula spp., Agaricus spp., Pleurotus spp., Boletus spp., or Laetiporus spp. After culturing, the material is harvested by obtaining the myceliated high-protein food product via drying or concentrating. The resultant myceliated high-protein food product may have its taste, flavor, or aroma modulated, such as by increasing desirable flavors or tastes such as meaty, savory, umami, popcorn and/or by decreasing undesirable flavors such as bitterness, astringency or beaniness. Deflavoring and/or deodorizing as compared to non-myceliated control materials can also be observed. Also disclosed are myceliated high-protein food products made by e.g. the methods of the invention. Foods such as textured protein, dairy analogs, crisps, and the like may include the high protein food products disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.