Vital Wheat gluten
General Product Information
| Article | Vital Wheat gluten, bio organic |
| Synonyms | Wheat gluten, Gluten flour, Gluten powder, Wheat protein, Wheat protein, Seitan, VTG |
| CAS No. | 94350-06-8 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 305-225-0 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 11090000 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Vital wheat gluten is a protein-rich substance obtained from wheat by removing the starch. The resulting product contains mainly gluten, the protein responsible for elasticity and structure in dough. Vital wheat gluten is widely used in the baking industry, where it improves the texture and volume of baked goods such as bread and pastries. It is also used in meat substitutes and other industrial applications.
Characteristics
- Grade: Food.
- High protein content: Contains 75-85% protein, making it ideal for improving the nutritional value of products.
- Texture improvement: It improves the texture of dough by increasing elasticity and volume, resulting in airier and better rising products.
- Water-binding capacity: It has a strong capacity to retain water, which helps improve the shelf life of products and keep them fresh longer.
- Flavor: Neutral, slightly nutty.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Shape | Powder or granules |
| Solubility. | Not completely soluble in water, but forms a sticky mass when mixed with water. |
| Density | Approximately 0.6-0.8 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity | – |
| pH | 6-7 (depending on the source) |
| Particle size | – |
| Color. | Light beige to cream |
Applications
Vital wheat gluten is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Bakery Products
Vital wheat gluten is widely used in the production of bread, pizza dough, pastries and other dough products. It provides better texture, more volume and improved rising.
2. Meat Substitutes
In the production of meat substitutes such as seitan, vital wheat gluten is used to create a meat-like texture.
3. Dietary Supplements
It is used in high-protein powders for sports nutrition, diet products and other nutritional supplements.
4. Animal Nutrition
Because of its high protein content, it is also sometimes added to pet food.
5. Cosmetic Industry
Sometimes used in beauty and skin care products for its binding and moisturizing properties.
Interessing Links
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and food ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – Protein hydrolyzates, wheat germ – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information about safety and application of food additives.
- Wikipedia – Seitan