Manufactured and produced by Polish start-up NapiFeryn Biotech, Raptein30 is a powder mainly composed of protein and fiber, which is obtained via extraction of cold‐pressed rapeseed cake.
NapiFeryn Biotech use a by-product of the oil production process, turning what would have been waste into a ‘high-value, nutrient-rich ingredient’, according to Magdalena Kozłowska, the CEO and co-founder.
“Raptein30 is a versatile plant-based ingredient that combines high-quality protein with natural dietary fiber. In supplements, it can be formulated into protein powders, functional bars, capsules, or shakes,” she told NutraIngredients.
“Thanks to its balanced amino acid profile and fiber content, it meets the growing consumer demand for products that support both nutrition and digestive health in a natural way.”
A circular approach
Demand for alternative protein sources is soaring, with the market projected to grow from 13 million metric tons a year to 97 million metric tons by 2035, reaching a market value of at least $290 billion by 2035.
This is predominantly due to environmental and sustainability concerns, the ethics of animal welfare and the associated health benefits of plant-based protein sources.
NapiFeryn Biotech is tapping into this emerging trend, creating alternative protein sources made from the byproduct of rapeseed (or canola) oil production, a crop that is widely cultivated in Europe.
“This circular approach reduces waste, minimizes land and water use compared to animal protein, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions,” Kozłowska said. “We are providing a holistic, sustainable solution for upscaling rapeseed side streams – transforming what was once waste into a complete portfolio of protein ingredients that are both nutritionally robust and environmentally responsible.”
The company has two ingredients: Raptein90, a protein isolate consisting of 90% protein, and Raptein30, a mix of fiber and 30% protein, which is designed to deliver both protein and fiber in a single ingredient.
“This means supplement manufacturers can offer consumers more complete nutrition with fewer additives,” Kozłowska said. “In addition, rapeseed protein is allergen-friendly, non-GMO, and has excellent digestibility. For consumers, it translates into better satiety, digestive wellbeing, and a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources.”
A source of protein?
However, while EFSA concluded that the novel food is safe and good source of fiber, the agency stated it cannot be ranked as a good protein source. This is because the protein content sits at between 30%–45% and does not meet the required Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS).
“The assessment of protein quality presents some uncertainties, highlighted by EFSA,” Jerome Le Bloch, head of scientific affairs at FoodChainID, told NI. “For instance, this assessment is based on a single batch, while EFSA generally requires the analysis of five batches. Moreover, the test used to determine the digestibility of essential amino acids raise questions. So, EFSA notes that the ingredient cannot be considered as a good source of protein.”
“Nevertheless, EFSA consider that this new protein source will be used in a varied diet, and so, the novel food is not nutritionally disadvantageous,” he added.
The product also contains manganese, a metal essential for healthy biological functions. However, European dietary surveys suggest the diet provides manganese almost at the upper limit, so dietary supplements can push intake over the recommended limits.
“It is therefore difficult to obtain an authorization for an ingredient containing manganese, as its consumption will lead to an overexposure,” said Le Bloch. “This has been the case for Wolffia globosa.”
“For the rapeseed protein, the situation is similar – combined exposure is a risk. However, the level of manganese is dramatically lower than for Wolffia, explaining the different conclusion,” he added. “The sole consumption of food or of food supplement separately is not a major source of manganese, while for Wolffia, supplements alone or food alone were already at risk.”
Le Bloch believes EFSA has therefore taken the ‘correct approach’, authorizing the ingredient but recommending that individuals do not consume food containing the novel food and food supplements containing the novel food on the same day.
Scaling sustainable protein sources
Kozłowska says EFSA’s positive opinion is a ‘major milestone’, not only for NapiFeryn BioTech, but also for the entire supplement industry.
“It validates the safety and nutritional value of Raptein30 and paves the way for commercialization across the EU,” she said. “For us as a company, it’s a gateway to scaling partnerships with supplement and food manufacturers who are actively looking for innovative, sustainable protein solutions.”
“Importantly, together with our flagship protein isolate Raptein90, Raptein30 completes a unique value proposition: the upcycling of rapeseed side streams into high-value protein ingredients.”
