Is Transglutaminase Vegan?
What is Transglutaminase?
Transglutaminase, also known as meat glue, is an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of a covalent bond between a free amine group and a gamma-carboxamide group of protein- or peptide-bound glutamine. This reaction allows separate pieces of protein to bind together, which is why it’s often used in the food industry to create novel food products, improve texture, or reduce costs.
How is Transglutaminase Made?
Transglutaminase can be derived from various sources. Originally, it was extracted from animal blood, particularly the liver and spleen. However, because of concerns about disease transmission and the desire for a more consistent product, modern commercial transglutaminase is typically produced by fermenting bacteria, specifically Streptoverticillium mobaraense.
Is Transglutaminase Vegan?
Whether transglutaminase is vegan can depend on the specific product. If the transglutaminase is derived from animal sources, such as animal blood, it wouldn’t be considered vegan. However, transglutaminase produced through bacterial fermentation, the more common method currently, would be vegan as it doesn’t involve any animal products or by-products.
That said, it’s crucial to note that transglutaminase is frequently used in products that aren’t vegan, such as various forms of restructured meats. So even if the enzyme itself is vegan, the final product may not be.
Transglutaminase in a Vegan Diet
While transglutaminase can technically be included in a vegan diet if it’s derived from bacteria, its usage is more relevant in the context of processed meat products. Some vegan food manufacturers may use it to improve the texture of plant-based meat alternatives, but these instances are less common. As with any processed food product, it’s always best to check the label for any non-vegan ingredients.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the vegan status of transglutaminase depends on its source. If derived from animal tissues, it isn’t vegan, but if it’s produced through bacterial fermentation, it is vegan. However, given its common use in non-vegan products, its presence in food doesn’t necessarily imply the food is vegan. Always check the full ingredient list to ensure a product fits within your dietary choices.
