Wheat protein and methods of production

Abstract

Isolated wheat proteins that are substantially free of sulfites and compositions formed from the isolated wheat proteins are described. Methods of forming compositions which include isolated wheat proteins that are substantially free of sulfites are also described.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A process for producing an isolated wheat protein, comprising:
 admixing water, an acid, and wheat gluten to form a gluten slurry; and   agitating the gluten slurry at a reaction temperature for a time sufficient to produce an isolated wheat protein,   wherein the isolated wheat protein is substantially free of sulfites.   
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the isolated wheat protein has a sulfite concentration of less than 0.001% by weight. 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the reaction temperature ranges from 50° F. to 150° F. 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the gluten slurry has a total solids content ranging from 8% to 35% on a dry basis. 
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein admixing is performed at a temperature ranging from 70° F. to 200° F. 
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the isolated wheat protein has a Brookfield viscosity ranging from 50 cps to 1200 cps at room temperature. 
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the gluten slurry is agitated at a high speed for 1 minute to 240 minutes. 
     
     
         8 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the acid comprises lactic acid in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 5% by weight. 
     
     
         9 . The process of  claim 1 , further comprising drying the isolated wheat protein. 
     
     
         10 . The process of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 placing the isolated wheat protein in a container configured for shipping; and   shipping the container from a first geographic location to a second geographic location.   
     
     
         11 . The process of  claim 1 , further comprising incorporating the isolated wheat protein into a food product. 
     
     
         12 . A product by the process of any of  claim 1 .