Fava bean protein
Fava bean protein suppliers and sourcing guide
Fava bean protein is made from dehulled fava (faba) beans, Vicia faba. Concentrates of about 55 to 65% protein are made by dry milling and air classification, which separates fine protein-rich particles from starch. Isolates of 85 to 90% protein are made by wet extraction: the protein is dissolved, separated from starch and fiber, precipitated or filtered, and spray dried. It is used in plant milks, meat analogs, bars and protein powders.
- Category
- Proteins and amino acids
- Also known as
- faba bean protein · broad bean protein · Vicia faba protein · fava bean protein isolate
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of fava bean protein
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Air-classified concentrate
Dry-processed concentrate at about 55 to 65% protein with some starch remaining.
Isolate
Wet-extracted protein at 85 to 90% for drinks, powders and analogs.
Hydrolysate
Enzyme-treated fava protein with smaller peptides and higher solubility.
Organic and non-GMO
Made from certified organic or verified non-GMO beans.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Protein (Kjeldahl or Dumas)
- Total nitrogen times 6.25, as-is and on a dry basis.
- Vicine and convicine
- Glycosides naturally present in fava beans, measured by HPLC; some buyers set limits, and low-vicine bean varieties exist.
- Moisture, fat, ash and starch
- Proximate analysis; starch is the main difference between concentrate and isolate.
- Microbiology
- Total plate count, coliforms, yeast and mold, Salmonella and E. coli.
- Heavy metals
- Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS against the buyer's limits.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store sealed, cool and dry, away from odors. Pulse proteins can develop stronger beany flavors with heat and age. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with retest of moisture, micro and sensory for older stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Record protein and, where specified, vicine and convicine for each lot. Flavor and color vary with bean variety and crop, so keep retained samples.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
GRN 879, for fava bean protein isolate notified by Yantai T.FULL Biotech Co., Ltd, closed on Mar 23, 2020 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)GRN 1151, for fava bean protein notified by Cooperative Koninklijke Cosun U.A., closed on Jun 12, 2024 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Workout Supplements monograph lists fava bean protein isolate with the seed of Vicia faba as the source material.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Fava bean protein suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking fava bean protein suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell fava bean protein? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of fava bean protein can brands buy?
Common forms include air-classified concentrate, isolate, hydrolysate and organic and non-GMO. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for fava bean protein include?
Expect protein (Kjeldahl or Dumas), vicine and convicine, moisture, fat, ash and starch, microbiology and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should fava bean protein be stored?
Store sealed, cool and dry, away from odors. Pulse proteins can develop stronger beany flavors with heat and age. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with retest of moisture, micro and sensory for older stock.
What is the regulatory status of fava bean protein?
GRN 879, for fava bean protein isolate notified by Yantai T.FULL Biotech Co., Ltd, closed on Mar 23, 2020 with FDA having no questions. GRN 1151, for fava bean protein notified by Cooperative Koninklijke Cosun U.A., closed on Jun 12, 2024 with FDA having no questions. Health Canada's Workout Supplements monograph lists fava bean protein isolate with the seed of Vicia faba as the source material.
More proteins and amino acids
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- Creatine Monohydratecreatine · micronized creatine
- L-TheanineTheanine · N-ethyl-L-glutamine
- Pea ProteinPisum sativum protein · pea protein isolate
- Whey Protein IsolateWPI · whey isolate
- Whey protein concentrateWPC · WPC 80
- Whey protein hydrolysateWPH · hydrolyzed whey protein
- Micellar caseinmicellar casein isolate · casein micelles
- Milk protein concentrateMPC · MPC 70
- Milk protein isolateMPI · milk protein
- Sodium caseinatecasein sodium · caseinate sodium salt
- Calcium caseinatecasein calcium · caseinate calcium salt
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