Soy Pectin, Nutraceutical and Food Additive of the Future

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Soy Pectin, Inc. is developing a new soluble, dietary fiber from soybean hulls, a waste byproduct, which will provide additional markets for soybean producers and processors. Soy pectin differs from traditional citrus pectins, in that it acts as a thickening agent rather than forming a gel. This will allow it to increase the dietary fiber content and health benefits of beverages and other food products. Traditional pectin extraction has environmental costs and is an economically expensive process as well. The proposed new, soluble dietary soy pectin will minimize pollution as there will be no leaching and drying of soybean hulls. The extraction process may also optimize the removal of mineral acids, and concentrating the mother liquor before precipitation will minimize capital costs for an evaporator. Marketing research indicates soy pectin is an attractive alternative to more expensive, imported pectins.