PROJECT OVERVIEW

Hemp Protein:  Evaluating and Communicating Its Nutritional Value

ARDI Project:

Total Approved:

Date Approved:

Project Status:

#04-554

$22,675

November 15, 2004

In-Progress

This project will generate crucial information on the value of hemp protein found in the growing number of hemp food products.  It will also establish a database on the presence and concentrations of other topical nutrients, such as carbohydrates and other soluble and insoluble dietary fiber.  Such information is needed by industry to maintain its growth in the North American natural foods market.  This is a market for food products made from Canadian-grown hemp grain, since hemp farming remains illegal in the U.S. and European and Chinese grain can’t compete for cost or quality reasons.  After several years of slow growth, the North American market for hemp food products has since 2002 been growing at 30-35% p.a.  In the U.S., that growth has been promoted by the North American hemp industry’s court victory against a federal rule, which would have outlawed sale of hemp foods.  That court decision has removed uncertainty among retailers and, through an industry-coordinated public relations campaign, also created much interest among consumers of natural foods, currently the main market for hemp foods.

Continued industry growth now requires that the nutritional attributes and benefits of hemp foods are validated, publicized, and presented to media and consumers. While all processors and distributors of hemp foods give some nutritional information on their products, claims regarding the quality of protein are in general poorly documented, as are the potential advantages of hemp protein over competing vegetable proteins.  As several Canadian processors of hemp foods have recently released “hemp protein powders”, nutritional journalists for example are now requesting documentation on protein content, amino acid composition, digestibility, completeness and potential advantages of hemp protein products.

All major North American hemp food producers and distributors have recognized that further market growth relies crucially on a comprehensive assessment of hemp protein across product categories and varieties grown in Canada.  This has lead to the development of this project in cooperation with the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg.  Project results will give industry the required reliable information for use in labeling, press releases, and consumer relations.  It will also harmonize public statements made by industry on the nature and value of hemp protein and will end the confusion generated among media and consumers by conflicting statements.  In combination, these outcomes will create a basis for, and significantly support, market and export growth for hemp foods.

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