In August 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued an opinion on the safety of rapeseed protein-fiber concentrate as a novel food (NF). This novel food was assessed under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The evaluation concluded that the manufacturing process, composition, and specifications of rapeseed protein-fiber concentrate pose no safety concerns. It may be used in various foods for the general population, food supplements for individuals aged 10 years and older, and foods for special medical purposes. However, it should be noted that individuals aged 10 years and older should not consume both foods and food supplements containing this NF within the same day (due to potential risks associated with manganese intake
Rapeseed protein-fiber concentrate is produced from non-GMO double-low varieties of turnip rape (Brassica rapa L.) and European rape (Brassica napus L.). It is manufactured by extracting water and organic solvents from cold-pressed rapeseed cake, with protein and fiber as its primary components. This product can be added to foods and serves as one of the main sources of plant protein.
Rapeseed and Rapeseed Protein
Rapeseed is a bright yellow flowering plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family (also known as the mustard or cabbage family). After flowering and pollination, it forms siliques, each typically containing multiple rapeseed grains. These seeds not only fulfill the plant’s reproductive function but also serve as the primary raw material for extracting edible oil (rapeseed oil) and producing rapeseed protein due to their high oil and protein content.
Rapeseed oil, extracted from these seeds, ranks among the oldest vegetable oils. Since the year 2000, rapeseed has become the world’s third-largest vegetable oil source after soybean and palm oil, and the second-largest source of protein meal after soybean. Despite its long history of use, rapeseed contains erucic acid (which can damage heart muscle) and glucosinolates (which reduce its nutritional value in food or animal feed). Currently, the European Union and the United States have mandated that the erucic acid content in rapeseed oil must not exceed 2%.
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Rapeseed protein is extracted from rapeseed (particularly double-low varieties with low erucic acid and low glucosinolate content) and its oil-extraction byproduct, rapeseed meal. It primarily consists of napin (2S albumin), cruciferin (12S globulin), and trace amounts of 7S protein amino acids. Rapeseed contains approximately 17-26% protein, and rapeseed protein concentrate can achieve a protein content of 35%-50% after extraction. From a nutritional perspective, the amino acid composition of rapeseed protein closely aligns with the model protein recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO). It is a highly nutritious complete protein with a digestibility rate of 95%-100%, comparable to animal proteins. The rapeseed protein-fiber concentrate certified by the EU utilizes raw materials from targeted cultivation to achieve low levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates, thereby eliminating potential risk components present in traditional rapeseed from the source.
Benefits of Rapeseed Protein
Antioxidant Properties: Rapeseed protein exhibits significant antioxidant activity. Research indicates that at a concentration of 4.06 mg/mL, its antioxidant capacity is equivalent to 5.00 mg/mL of vitamin C. It achieves antioxidant effects by scavenging hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions, thereby reducing the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product. Multiple studies indicate that peptides and hydrolysates derived from enzymatic hydrolysis of rapeseed protein exhibit antioxidant properties. It can also serve as a substitute for milk protein, helping to reduce vascular oxidative stress.
Anti-inflammatory: Research indicates that RAP-8, a bioactive peptide in rapeseed protein, significantly reduces hepatic steatosis while improving insulin resistance and lipid metabolism. Additionally, RAP-8 markedly alleviates liver inflammation, fibrosis, hepatic injury, and metabolic deterioration. RAP-8 also directly suppressed the expression of fibrosis-related genes in mouse livers, including alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-Sma) and type I collagen (Col-1α). Furthermore, RAP-8 significantly reduced macrophage infiltration and decreased the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Blood Pressure Regulation: Studies indicate that rapeseed protein, when administered orally, inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, thereby regulating blood pressure. Multiple potent ACE inhibitory peptides, such as IY, RIY, and VW, can be isolated from rapeseed protein hydrolysate. In vitro experiments demonstrate an ACE inhibition rate of up to 72.3%. By blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, it reduces peripheral vascular resistance.
Another study found that Rapakinin, a tripeptide extracted from rapeseed protein, can activate the adenylate cyclase-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway by binding to prostaglandin IP receptors. This dilates the mesenteric arteries of spontaneously hypertensive rats, with the blood pressure-lowering effect lasting over 4 hours.
Kidney Protection: Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a primary cause of end-stage renal disease, is characterized by renal fibrosis. The natural peptide RAP, extracted from rapeseed protein, improved renal function indicators in DN mice, including 24-hour albuminuria, triglycerides, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels. RAP concurrently reduced extracellular matrix accumulation in both DN mice and high-glucose-induced mesangial cells (MCs). Furthermore, RAP diminished high-glucose-induced cell proliferation without exhibiting toxicity toward MCs. Additionally, RAP inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Collectively, RAP alleviates renal fibrosis by suppressing MAPK and NF-κB pathways.
Market Landscape of Rapeseed Protein
According to Cognitive Market Research data, the global rapeseed protein market was valued at US$1.29 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach US$2.45 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.34%. In recent years, demand for plant-based proteins has surged, driven by health trends and shifts toward vegetarian and vegan dietary habits. Growing awareness of the environmental advantages of plant-based proteins over animal proteins further fuels the expansion of the rapeseed protein market.
EKKO Rapeseed Protein Powder is made from rapeseed grown in Lithuania. It is rich in Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 fatty acids, amino acids such as lysine, cysteine, and methionine, as well as vitamins E and K. This product can be blended with traditional flour to make bread, pies, or dumpling wrappers.
Image source: ekko
Urban Platter Canola Protein Powder is an unsweetened, flavorless protein supplement made from organic canola seeds. It serves as an excellent alternative to whey and soy protein, suitable for vegans, and is ideal for daily consumption after workouts to boost protein intake.
Image source: farmako
[1]https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9631
[2]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996924016247
[3]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924224410002608
[4]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7391831/
[5]https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/rapeseed-protein-market-report
