AHD International, a US firm that says it focuses on new-to-market ingredients, claims to be the first company to be tapping into the protein potential of cranberry seed.
As well as protein, the company said its new Luravida cranberry powder is a good source of fiber, and also contains omega 3, 6 and 9.
Applications it can be used in include baked goods, snacks, bars, smoothies, protein blends and dietary supplements.
The cranberry protein powder is produced using a patented cold extrusion and filtration process from the seeds of the American cranberry.
No enzymes or extraction solvents are used in this process, said AHD.
Composition The new ingredient contains 23-30 percent protein, 5-20 percent soluble fiber and 40-47 percent insoluble fiber.
It contains one percent omega 3, one percent omega 6 and 0.75 percent omega 9, and is also said to be rich in flavonoids.
AHD said its powder also has a full amino acid profile, including tyrosine (0.5-2g/100g), glutamic acid (5-7g/100g), phenylalanine (1-3g/100g), glycine (1-3g/100g), alanine (1-3g/100g) and cysteine (0.3-2g/00g).
The cranberry powder also contains potassium (5000-5600ppm), calcium (1400-2500ppm) and iron (30-80ppm).
Market niche AHD president John Alkire said he believes the new product will find a niche in the protein ingredient market.
"The main protein sources have so far been from dairy or soy.
But manufacturers are always looking for new ways to differentiate their products, and making 'cranberry protein' claims on their products will be one way of doing this," he told NutraIngredients-USA.com.
It will also allow manufacturers to steer away from the allergen concerns linked to soy and dairy ingredients, he said.
Although soy and dairy protein ingredients usually contain around 90 percent protein and the new cranberry powder contains only 25 percent, Alkire said he is still confident that the product will be successful as "it brings more than just protein" to an application.
"Cranberry is already well-recognized by consumers for its health benefits.
The informed consumer would most probably opt for a product made with cranberry protein rather than soy or dairy protein."
Luravida cranberry range AHD's Luravida cranberry range currently contains three products, with the cranberry protein powder being the latest addition to the line.
In September 2007, the company also launched an omega 3 from cranberry, as well as an active cranberry powder high in PACs.
The natural compound proanthocyanidin (PAC) found in cranberries is known for its 'anti-adhesion' activity in protecting the body from the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.
According to Alkire, AHD's active cranberry powder has three times more PACs than a regular cranberry product, and is therefore specifically designed for products targeting urinary tract infection.
AHD has also developed a nanotechnology process that can be used with all of its cranberry products to help achieve more even dispersion in beverage applications.