The Plant-Based Diet

In recent years, many have become aware of the importance of diet. Whatever it is you choose to consume, there's no denying that what we eat has a profound effect on the way we feel, and ultimately the life we live.

One of the most popular dietary trends is the plant-based diet, however many don't know there's a dark side to the green advertising. I'm referring to the chemical-based extraction process many plant-based protein powders undergo before they make their way into our bodies. This can leave residual amounts of these potentially harmful chemicals such as hexane in the product. Worse yet, due to the classification of the chemicals and their intended purpose as a processing aid, they do not have to be listed as an ingredient on the label. 

Knowing the risks associated with common protein extraction methods is essential when looking for a healthy protein powder. Let’s examine how plant-based protein powders are created and uncover the differences between chemical protein extraction and safer alternatives. 

What is Hexane? Understanding Its Use in Plant-Based Protein Powder Manufacturing

Hexane is a hydrocarbon solvent derived from crude oil and is commonly used to separate elements within a raw material. Due to its high evaporation rate and its low boiling point, it aids in the processing efforts of many industrial products, including gasoline, glue, stain removers, and yes, some plant-based protein powders.

When used for plant-based protein extraction, plant material is crushed into a powder and mixed with the hexane, which works to separate the proteins from the fats. Manufacturers attempt to remove the hexane from the slurry via evaporation, but this doesn’t always rid the product of hexane. Traces can be found in the plant fibers after this step has been completed and through to the final product.

This process is used in many of the most popular plant-based products on the market. 

The Dangers of Chemical Processing Aids in Plant-Based Protein Powder

Manufacturers turn to hexane for protein extraction because of its reduced cost, harvesting the profits while leaving the downsides for the consumers and the factory workers.

Hexane is a neurotoxin and labeled by the CDC as a hazardous air pollutant. Exposure to hexane can cause a variety of adverse conditions in the body. It can negatively affect the brain and the operation of your central nervous system, cause nausea and dizziness, numbness in the extremities, and blurry vision. Exposure can also lead to the development of dermatitis. Other potential adverse conditions include neuropathy, tiredness, abdominal discomfort, difficulty breathing, and more.

Some regulations are in place to protect manufacturing workers who are exposed to high amounts of hexane and the "Volatile Organic Compounds" it releases as it evaporates. For example, Personal Protection Equipment is mandatory to prevent inhalation and contact with the skin or eyes, however on the consumer side, this problem is largely overlooked. The United States Food and Drug Administration does not currently monitor or regulate hexane residue in foods.

Unless it’s voluntarily disclosed by companies, you’ll never know how much residual hexane is in the products you consume, so it’s safer to opt for products that use hexane-free manufacturing methods.

The Clean Alternative to Chemical Processing Aids

Rather than trying to remove harsh and harmful chemicals from our product, we never use them in the first place. Instead, we use high powered presses at very low temperatures (“Cold-Pressing”) on the raw seeds. This mechanically presses the oil out of the seeds, making a nutrient dense protein pellet which is then milled into fine powder. No chemicals needed. 

When developing this process, we made our decisions with you in mind. Cold-pressing is not only cleaner but provides better preservation of nutrients than chemical processing, which is a big reason why our nutritional label is so exceptional.

No chemical processing aids are ever used in the production of our Protein Powder, from Seed to Scoop! Try Smash Melon today!