Burcon announces first commercial sales of its Puratein C canola protein isolate

Plant-based protein company Burcon NutraScience Corporation announced the first commercial sales of its a 90%+ high-purity canola protein isolate, Puratein C¹. The ingredient is suitable for multiple applications including dairy alternatives, ready-to-drink beverages, meat analogues, sauces, and baked goods, featuring high solubility and a mild flavor profile.

“The first sales of Puratein canola protein mark another step in scaling Burcon’s innovation into the market,” stated Kip Underwood, Burcon’s chief executive officer, in the September 10 press release. “By leveraging our technology platform, we are creating sustainable, high-quality proteins that drive new opportunities for customers and revenue growth.”

Sustainability and benefits of canola protein

As the press release notes, this ingredient highlight the company’s committment to producing upcycled solvent-free agricultural by-products into sustainable ingredients from canola seeds. Puratein C is extracted from non-GMO canola seeds grown in North America. The seeds, contained in pods found produced by the flowers of the canola plants, are about 40% oil, as explained on Burcon’s website². A canola meal is processed from the rest of the seed along with the oil, and Burcon extracts the canola protein isolate and purifies it, resulting in the cream colored Puratein C.

The ingredient contains all nine essential amino acids and a protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of 1. As noted in a plant protein feature article in Nutritional Outlook, plant protein quality is significant for consumers³. “[Quality] is measured by the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS),” the article explains. “Amino acids are necessary for the digestion of protein in the body. Limitations in amino acids reduce the body’s ability to absorb the protein. This is quite important for athletes and people who do not consume meat or dairy. However, even people who get protein from multiple sources actively shop for high protein content claims.”

Applications for canola protein in bakery formulations

In November 2024, Burcon announced a partnership with Puratos, aiming to offer more products with Puratein⁴. Puratos is a bakery, patisserie, and chocolate ingredients and services provider, and Puratein can be used as an alternative to egg protein. Along with the expansion of protein-enriched products to meet demands of sustainable and healthier options, other benefits of the protein were noted. “Burcon’s canola protein offers exceptional functionalities and can deliver significant cost-in-use savings when replacing eggs in formulations,” Underwood explained, in a press release. “Together, we’re aiming to redefine what’s possible with canola protein.”

Expanding Burcon’s plant protein portfolio

Burcon’s portfolio includes protein sourced from pea, soy, hemp, sunflower, and other plant sources. In August, the company announced the production and launch of FavaPro, a 90% high-purity fava protein isolate, made from fava beans⁵. Extracted and purified using a proprietary method, FavaPro is hypoallergenic and non-GMO with a neutral flavor profile.

“The commercial launch of FavaPro marks an important milestone in Burcon’s growth strategy and demonstrates our ability to efficiently scale and diversify production at the Galesburg facility,” Underwood had stated in a press release.

Additionally, the protein blend Nutratein-PS, a blend of the company’s proprietary Peazazz pea protein and Supertein canola protein, was released in June 2019⁶. This protein can be used as a fortification for dairy alternatives. Another protein blend, Nutratein-TZ was also released. This blend of Burcon’s proprietary Peazazz pea protein and Puratein canola protein can be used in meat alternative formulations.

In 2023, the company announced it had started offering pilot plant processing and scale-up validation services for its customers and partners⁷. Its 10,000 square foot Winnipeg Technical Centre uses processing equipment for start-to-finish product development. The aim is to support its expansion of protein development and innovation.

References

1. Burcon. Burcon Achieves First Commercial Sales of High-Purity Canola Protein 09/10/2025 https://burcon.live-website.com/2025/09/burcon-achieves-first-commercial-sales-of-high-purity-canola-protein/ (accessed 2025-09-15).
2. Burcon. Canola Protein https://burcon.live-website.com/products/canola-proteins/ (accessed 2025-09-15).
3. Krawiec, S. Plant-based potential https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/plant-based-potential (accessed 2025-09-15).
4. Colli, M. New partnership between Burcon and Puratos announced, aiming to create new product offerings with canola protein https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/new-partnership-between-burcon-and-puratos-announced-aiming-to-create-new-product-offerings-with-canola-protein (accessed 2025-09-15).
5. Colli, M. Burcon launches FavaPro 90% pure plant protein https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/burcon-launches-favapro-90-pure-plant-protein (accessed 2025-09-15).
6. Krawiec, S. New pea and canola protein blends from Burcon boast protein quality that challenges meat and dairy https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/new-pea-and-canola-protein-blends-burcon-boast-protein-quality-challenges-meat-and-dairy (accessed 2025-09-15).
7. Krawiec, S. Burcon now offers ingredient processing and scale-up services https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/burcon-now-offers-ingredient-processing-and-scale-up-services (accessed 2025-09-15).