Patent Description:
Distillery or brewery by-products are abundantly produced during distillery and brewery processes. Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is the most abundant by-product generated in the beer-brewing process. This material comprises malt and grain husks obtained as a solid fraction after the mash filtration or lautering. To date, this distillery or brewery by-product has mainly been put to low value uses, in particular as an animal feed.

Every year, human eating patterns are becoming more unbalanced, resulting in deficiency in certain nutrients while other nutrients are being overconsumed. For example, an average western adult consumes <NUM> to <NUM> of fibres per day, while the recommended daily value lies between <NUM> and <NUM>. Current human eating patterns are associated with weight gain and other health problems (e.g. diabetes, heart problems, etc.). This is leading to a change in consumer habits, with interest in more nutritional products growing. One of the current challenges for food manufacturers is to be able to provide products that meet these consumer expectations. Several measures to promote reformulation of foods and beverages have been suggested by the World Health Organization for western countries, such as the promotion of healthy nutrition, improvements to the nutritional quality of the food supply, and consumer-friendly labelling, among others.

In addition to the above, according to the report <NPL> (UN), an estimated <NUM> million people lack sufficient food - up from <NUM> million in the prior year. In parallel, levels of obesity continue to increase in all regions, particularly among school-age children and adults. The world needs to adapt to feed nearly <NUM> billion people by <NUM>, and some of the options suggested by the <NPL> to close the food gap is to increase the food production without expanding agricultural land and a shift to healthier and more sustainable diets.

Distillery or brewery by-products, particularly BSG, are rich in nutrients, particularly protein and fibre. There is therefore an opportunity to use these by-products to produce nutritious food products for human consumption, which can be used as a food ingredient and can thereby help to address the issues discussed above.

Various attempts have been made to produce food compositions for human consumption from distillery or brewery by-products such as BSG.

<CIT> relates to food compositions, particularly pet food compositions, having a high content of plant protein. The plant protein is prepared by processing Brewer's Spent Grain (BSG) having a moisture content of about <NUM> % to about <NUM> % by weight, so as to reduce the particle size of the BSG and separating the processed BSG by sieving so as to provide a low particle size, high protein fraction.

<CIT> relates to methods and systems for the extraction of protein rich flour and fibre rich flour from brewer's spent grains (BSG). The invention is particularly aimed at illustrating the possibility of obtaining different protein contents in the protein and fibre rich flours through drying, milling and fractionating BSG. A cell mill is used in which the milling device comprises rotating blades arranged on a shaft and the fractionating takes place using a classifier comprising one or more screens, rotating bars and/or sieves.

<CIT> relates to methods for classifying BSG into fractions having either a high protein content or a high dietary fibre content. Dried spent grain is pulverized and then separated into fractions by sieving.

There remains a need for a process to more effectively separate distillery or brewery by-products, particularly BSG, into high protein and high fibre fractions, with the protein content of the high protein fraction being maximised and the fibre content of the high fibre fraction being maximised. Such a process would allow the use of distillery or brewery by-products to be expanded in terms of food products for human consumption, thereby improving the nutritional value and health benefits of such food products. Such food products may be particularly suitable for people suffering from diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, constipation, etc..

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved process for the production of high protein and high fibre compositions from distillery or brewery by-products and to thereby improve human eating habits through the incorporation of distillery or brewery by-products in the human diet.

The present invention and embodiments thereof serve to provide a solution to one or more of above-mentioned disadvantages.

The invention is restricted to the subject-matter of the claims.

The present invention provides an improved process for the production of high protein and high fibre compositions from brewer's spent grain. The process comprises:.

wherein the total dietary fibre content is determined by AOAC <NUM> and the total protein content is determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>.

The brewer's spent grain preferably comprises spent barley and, optionally, one or more other spent grains or other starchy material selected from rice, corn, sorghum and cassava, preferably selected from rice and corn. It is preferably the spent grain obtained from a brewing process in which the grains used for brewing comprise barley in an amount of at least <NUM>% by weight, preferably at least <NUM>% by weight, preferably at least <NUM>% by weight, based on the total dry matter weight of the grains. The brewer's spent grain used as a starting material for the process preferably has a total dietary fibre content (% dry matter by weight) of from <NUM>% to less than <NUM>%, as determined by AOAC <NUM>, and a total protein content (% dry matter by weight) of greater than <NUM>% to less than <NUM>%, as determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>. The step of providing dried brewers' spent grain preferably comprises collecting brewers' spent grain from a brewery, e.g. from the mash filter or lauter tun, and then drying to a moisture content of <NUM>% by weight or less, preferably <NUM>% or less, preferably <NUM>% by weight or less. The drying preferably takes place within <NUM> hours, preferably within <NUM> hours, preferably within less than <NUM> hours, of the collecting. Preferably, the brewer's spent grain is dewatered, preferably using a decanter or screw press, before drying. The drying is preferably carried out in an oven, a flash dryer, a ring dryer or a fluidised bed dryer.

If necessary, the dried brewer's spent grain may be subjected to declumping before micronising, preferably using a hammer mill.

The pin mill used in the micronisation step is preferably a counter-rotating pin mill. The micronised brewer's spent grain preferably has a bimodal particle size distribution. The particle size (d50) of the micronised brewer's spent grain is from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, and the particle size (d90) is from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, as determined by laser diffraction.

The fractionation preferably comprises selecting the rotational speed and air flow rate of the air classifier to optimise the fractionation into the coarse fraction and the fine fraction. In a variation to the process, the coarse fraction may be re-micronised. According to this process variation, the process comprises:.

The preferred features of the process as described generally herein apply mutatis mutandis to this process variation.

In a further possible variation to the process, the coarse fraction may be subjected to a second fractionation. According to this process variation, the process comprises:.

The fibre composition obtained according to the processes of the present invention preferably has a particle size (d90) of between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, as determined by laser diffraction. Its total dietary fibre content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably greater than <NUM>%, preferably greater than <NUM>%, as determined by AOAC <NUM>. Its total insoluble fibre content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, and its total soluble dietary fibre content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, as determined by AOAC <NUM>. Its total protein content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, as determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>. The total combined content of protein and dietary fibre (% dry matter by weight) in the fibre composition is between <NUM> and <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, and the ratio of protein to dietary fibre (dry matter by weight) is between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, wherein the total dietary fibre content is determined by AOAC <NUM> and the total protein content is determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>. The fibre composition preferably has a bulk density of from <NUM> to <NUM>/mL, a tapped density of from <NUM> to <NUM>/mL and a Hausner index of from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The total dietary fibre content (dry matter by weight) of the fibre composition obtained according to the processes of the present invention is preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>% higher than the total dietary fibre content (dry matter by weight) of the brewer's spent grain, as determined by AOAC <NUM>. The total protein content (dry matter by weight) of the fibre composition is preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>% lower than the total protein content (dry matter by weight) of the brewer's spent grain, as determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>.

The fibre composition obtained according to the processes of the present invention preferably has an iron content of from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, per <NUM> (dry matter) of the fibre composition. The iron content of the fibre composition is preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>% lower than the iron content of the brewer's spent grain.

The protein composition obtained according to the processes of the present invention preferably has a particle size (d90) of between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, as determined by laser diffraction. Its total dietary fibre content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably greater than <NUM>% and below <NUM>%, as determined by AOAC <NUM>. Its total insoluble fibre content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, and its total soluble dietary fibre content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, as determined by AOAC <NUM>. Its total protein content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, as determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>. The total combined content of protein and dietary fibre (% dry matter by weight) in the protein composition is between <NUM> and <NUM>% and the ratio of protein to dietary fibre (dry matter by weight) is between <NUM> and <NUM>, wherein the total dietary fibre content is determined by AOAC <NUM> and the total protein content is determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>. The protein composition preferably has a bulk density of from <NUM> to <NUM>/mL, a tapped density of from <NUM> to <NUM>/mL and a Hausner index of from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The total protein content (dry matter by weight) of the protein composition obtained according to the processes of the present invention is preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>% higher than the total protein content (dry matter by weight) of the brewer's spent grain, as determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>. The total dietary fibre content (dry matter by weight) of the protein composition is preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>% lower than the total dietary fibre content (dry matter by weight) of the brewer's spent grain, as determined by AOAC <NUM>.

The protein composition obtained according to the processes of the present invention preferably has an iron content of from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, per <NUM> (dry matter) of the protein composition. The iron content of the protein composition is preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>% higher than the iron content of the brewer's spent grain.

The present invention provides an improved process for the production of protein and fibre compositions from brewer's spent grain; processes for producing food products incorporating the protein or fibre compositions; and food products comprising the protein or fibre compositions.

"About" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/-<NUM>% or less, preferably +/-<NUM>% or less, more preferably +/-<NUM>% or less, even more preferably +/-<NUM> % or less, and still more preferably +/-<NUM> % or less of and from the specified value, insofar as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed invention.

"Comprise", "comprising", and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specify the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

The expression "% by weight", "weight percent", "%wt" or "wt%", here and throughout the description unless otherwise defined, refers to the relative weight of the respective component based on the overall weight of the formulation.

"Fibre", "Total dietary fibre" or "roughage" as used herein refers to the portion of plant-derived food that cannot be completely broken down by human digestive enzymes. Preferably, fibre comprises soluble and insoluble fibre. Fibre may or may not comprise non-starch polysaccharides, cellulose, hemicellulose, resistant starch, dextrin, polydextrose, inulin, lignin, chitin, chitosan, pectin, beta-glucans, gums, oligosaccharides or a combination thereof. "Soluble fibre" as used herein refers to a fibre which may dissolve in a liquid. "Insoluble fibre" as used herein refers to a fibre which does not dissolve in water.

"Protein" as used herein refers to a biomolecule comprising of one or more amino acid residues. "Amino acid" as used herein refers to an organic compound comprising an amine (-NH<NUM>) and a carboxyl (-COOH) functional groups, along with a side chain specific to each amino acid.

"Essential amino acid" as used herein refers to an amino acid which cannot be produced from other compounds by the human body, and thus must be taken in as food. Preferably, an essential amino acid is an amino acid chosen from the group comprising phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine or histidine.

"Conditionally essential amino acid" as used herein refers to an amino acid which become essential under specific circumstances such as illness or stress. Preferably, a conditionally essential amino acid is an amino acid chosen from the group comprising arginine, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, proline or tyrosine.

"Non-essential amino acid" as used herein refers to an amino acid which can be produced from other compounds by the human body. Preferably, a non-essential amino acid is an amino acid chosen from the group comprising alanine, aspartic acid, asparagine, glutamic acid, serine, selenocysteine or pyrrolysine.

"Sugar" us used herein refers to monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides or a combination thereof. Preferably, sugar as used herein refers to fructose, galactose, glucose, maltose, lactose, sucrose or a combination thereof.

"Carbohydrate" as used herein refers to a biomolecule consisting of carbon (C), hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) atoms.

"Particle size" as used herein refers to particle size as measured using laser diffraction using a laser diffraction particle size analyser (such as Mastersizer® <NUM>, Malvern Panalytical Ltd. The parameter "d90" as used herein gives an idea of the size distribution and refers to the size at which <NUM>% of a composition's volume comprises particles with a size less than the specified value (e.g. d90 of <NUM> refers that <NUM>% of a composition's volume comprises particles with a size less than <NUM>). Similarly, the parameter "d50" refers to the size at which <NUM>% of a composition's volume comprises particles with a size less than the specified value.

"Barley malt" as used herein refers to a germinated cereal grain, the cereal grain comprising barley, that has been obtained through a process known as "malting". The cereal grain may or may not comprise other starch sources, such as rice, oats, wheat, corn, sorghum, millet or combination thereof.

Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some, but not other, features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art.

The starting material for the process of the present invention is brewer's spent grain. Brewer's spent grain is a by-product of the brewing industry following the mashing step. At this point of the brewing process, the soluble fraction (known as 'wort') is taken forward for further brewing steps while the insoluble fraction is removed. This insoluble fraction is brewer's spent grain.

The brewer's spent grain used in the process of the present invention is preferably obtained after brewing with grains comprising barley and, optionally, one or more other grains or starchy materials such as rice, corn, sorghum and cassava, particularly rice and/or corn. The grains used for brewing (i.e. the grain mix used at the start of the brewing process) preferably comprise barley in an amount of at least <NUM>% by weight (for example at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>% by weight, or any intermediate value), preferably at least <NUM>% by weight, preferably at least <NUM>% by weight, based on the total dry matter weight of the grains.

The brewer's spent grain used in the process of the present invention preferably has a total dietary fibre content (% dry matter by weight) of from <NUM>% to less than <NUM>%, preferably from <NUM>% to less than <NUM>% (for example <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>%, or any intermediate value), as determined by AOAC <NUM>, and a total protein content (% dry matter by weight) of greater than <NUM>% to less than <NUM>%, preferably of greater than <NUM>% to less than <NUM>% (for example <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>%, or any intermediate value), as determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>.

The step of providing dried brewers' spent grain preferably comprises collecting brewers' spent grain from a brewery, e.g. from the mash filter or lauter tun, and then drying to a moisture content of <NUM>% by weight or less (for example <NUM>% by weight or less, <NUM>% by weight or less, <NUM>% by weight or less, <NUM>% by weight or less, <NUM>% by weight or less, or <NUM>% by weight or less), preferably <NUM>% or less, preferably <NUM>% by weight or less. The drying preferably takes place within <NUM> hours, preferably within <NUM> hours, preferably within less than <NUM> hours, of the collecting. Preferably, the brewer's spent grain is dewatered, preferably using a decanter or screw press, before drying. The drying is preferably carried out in an oven, a flash dryer, a ring dryer or a fluidised bed dryer.

If necessary, the dried brewer's spent grain may be subjected to declumping before micronising, preferably using a hammer mill. This step may be helpful if significant agglomeration has taken place during the drying step and will partly depend on the choice of drying equipment. Those skilled in the art will be readily able to recognise whether or not a declumping step is desirable in any given case.

The micronisation step of the present invention uses a pin mill. A pin mill mills materials by the action of pins moving repeatedly past each other, typically by rotation. The present inventors have found that the use of a pin mill in the micronisation step of the present invention is effective to micronise the brewer's spent grain to the desired extent and results in a particularly effective fractionation in the fractionation step of the present invention.

The pin mill used in the micronisation step is preferably a counter-rotating pin mill. A counter-rotating pin mill has two counter-rotating pin disks enabling very high relative disc speeds to be achieved.

The micronised brewer's spent grain preferably has a bimodal particle size distribution. A bimodal size distribution is a size distribution comprising two populations of particle sizes. The presence of a second population may be evident by the presence of a second peak in the particle size distribution (see <FIG>) or it may be evident by the presence of a shoulder in the particle size distribution (see <FIG>), dependent on the extent to which the two populations overlap.

The particle size (d50) of the micronised brewer's spent grain is preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, as determined by laser diffraction. For example, the d50 may be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or any intermediate value.

The particle size (d90) of the micronised brewer's spent grain is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, as determined by laser diffraction. For example, the d90 may be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or any intermediate value.

Pin mills are known. The calibration of any given pin mill to achieve the preferred particle size distribution of the micronised brewer's spent grain is a matter of routine for those skilled in the art.

The fractionation step of the present invention uses an air classifier. Air classifiers separate materials based on their behaviour in an air flow and thus separate on the basis of particle size, shape and density. This is a different separation principle compared to sieving, which does not distinguish between particles based on their density.

Air classifiers are known and the skilled person will be able to select a suitable air classifier based on the requirements at hand. For any given air classifier, the skilled person will be able to calibrate the classifier in order to achieve the desired fractionation, e.g. by selecting the rotational speed and air flow rate of the air classifier.

The present inventors have found that the particular combination of a pin mill and an air classifier is able to achieve a surprisingly effective fractionation of brewer's spent grain into a protein composition having high protein content and a fibre composition having high fibre content. Other types of mill, such as an attrition mill, were shown to be effective as milling technologies but, surprisingly, when subsequently fractionated using an air classifier, the fractionation into high protein and high fibre fractions was less effective. It could not have been predicted that the selection of a particular combination of milling and fractionation technologies could have such a significant influence on the effectiveness of the fractionation.

In a variation to the process, the coarse fraction may be re-micronised. According to this process variation, the process comprises:.

According to the above process variations, it has been found that the overall yield of the protein composition can be improved.

The fibre composition obtained according to the processes of the present invention preferably has a particle size (d90) of between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, as determined by laser diffraction. For example, the d90 of the fibre composition may be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, or any intermediate value. Its total dietary fibre content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably greater than <NUM>%, preferably greater than <NUM>%, as determined by AOAC <NUM>. Its total insoluble fibre content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, and its total soluble dietary fibre content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, as determined by AOAC <NUM>. Its total protein content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, as determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>. The total combined content of protein and dietary fibre (% dry matter by weight) in the fibre composition is between <NUM> and <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, and the ratio of protein to dietary fibre (dry matter by weight) is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, wherein the total dietary fibre content is determined by AOAC <NUM> and the total protein content is determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>. The fibre composition preferably has a bulk density of from <NUM> to <NUM>/mL, a tapped density of from <NUM> to <NUM>/mL and a Hausner index of from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>. The total dietary fibre content (dry matter by weight) of the fibre composition is preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>% higher than the total dietary fibre content (dry matter by weight) of the brewer's spent grain, as determined by AOAC <NUM>. The total protein content (dry matter by weight) of the fibre composition is preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>% lower than the total protein content (dry matter by weight) of the brewer's spent grain, as determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>.

The fibre composition preferably has an iron content of from <NUM> to <NUM> (for example <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, or any intermediate value), preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, per <NUM> (dry matter) of the fibre composition. The iron content of the fibre composition is preferably at least <NUM>% (for example at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>%, or any intermediate value), preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>% lower than the iron content of the brewer's spent grain. The extent to which the iron content of the fibre composition is reduced by the process of the present invention is surprising.

The fibre composition obtained according to the processes of the present invention is described in more detail below in the description of the fibre composition of the present invention.

The protein composition obtained according to the processes of the present invention preferably has a particle size (d90) of between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, as determined by laser diffraction. Its total dietary fibre content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably greater than <NUM>% and below <NUM>%, as determined by AOAC <NUM>. Its total insoluble fibre content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, and its total soluble dietary fibre content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, as determined by AOAC <NUM>. Its total protein content (% dry matter by weight) is preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, as determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>. The total combined content of protein and dietary fibre (% dry matter by weight) in the protein composition is between <NUM> and <NUM>% and the ratio of protein to dietary fibre (dry matter by weight) is between <NUM> and <NUM>, wherein the total dietary fibre content is determined by AOAC <NUM> and the total protein content is determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>. The protein composition preferably has a bulk density of from <NUM> to <NUM>/mL, a tapped density of from <NUM> to <NUM>/mL and a Hausner index of from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>. The total protein content (dry matter by weight) of the protein composition is preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>% higher than the total protein content (dry matter by weight) of the brewer's spent grain, as determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>. The total dietary fibre content (dry matter by weight) of the protein composition is preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>% lower than the total dietary fibre content (dry matter by weight) of the brewer's spent grain, as determined by AOAC <NUM>.

The protein composition obtained according to the processes of the present invention preferably has an iron content of from <NUM> to <NUM> (for example <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, or any intermediate value), preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, per <NUM> (dry matter) of the protein composition. The iron content of the protein composition is preferably at least <NUM>% (for example at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>%, or any intermediate value), preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>% higher than the iron content of the brewer's spent grain. The extent to which the iron content of the protein composition is increased by the process of the present invention is surprising.

The protein composition obtained according to the processes of the present invention is described in more detail below in the description of the protein composition of the present invention.

The protein composition produced by the processes of the present invention is produced from brewer's spent grain. The protein composition:.

The protein composition produced by the processes of the present invention is also referred to as a powdery food composition comprising a protein fraction and a fibre fraction.

The inventors have observed that such protein composition is suitable as an ingredient to increase the protein and fibre level in different final food products and the average daily intake of proteins and fibres of the consumers of the food products containing them. In addition to health benefits associated with an increased fibre intake, the specified mixture of fibres and proteins is even more beneficial for obtaining final food products which are deemed to be advantageous for lowering the fat uptake in the gut, increasing growth for building or repairing tissues (e.g. muscle, bone, cartilage skin or blood), increasing anti-inflammatory properties, increasing gut health (increase in digestion, stimulation of the gut microbiota and normalizing bowel movements), stimulating weight loss and for the maintenance of a healthy physique. The protein composition is especially advantageous for obtaining final food products which are deemed to be beneficial for people wanting to maintain or obtain a lean body mass, and for diabetic patients or patients suffering from high cholesterol or constipation. Moreover, due to the high fibre and the high protein content, the addition of a moderate amount of the protein composition would suffice to increase the protein and the fibre content of the final food product, without increasing the sugar or the fat content. By the addition of a moderate amount of the protein composition, the chance that the protein composition could influence the taste of the final food product is minimized.

Additionally, the protein composition is obtained from a product that has been traditionally wasted or used as repurposing it as animal feed, pet food or compost after the corresponding brewing process, which is readily available in large quantities throughout the year, making the protein composition sustainable from an economic and environmental standpoint.

The protein content of said protein composition can be measured with conventional means in the art, e.g. by Foss equipment based on the Kjeldahl method or with any other suitable method known in the art, such as but not limiting to the Dumas method. The Nitrogen:protein conversion factor used in the Kjeldahl method is <NUM>. A suitable method can be found according to BS <NUM> Pt <NUM>: <NUM>.

Preferably, the ratio of protein and fibre fraction (i.e. protein to dietary fibre) in said protein composition is between <NUM> and <NUM>.

Preferably, the total amount of said protein and said fibre fraction (i.e. the total combined content of protein and dietary fibre) in said protein composition is at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

Preferably, the total amount of said protein and said fibre fraction in said protein composition is at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the total amount of said protein and said fibre fraction in said protein composition is between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight of said composition. The ratio of protein and fibre fraction in said protein composition is between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The protein composition has a total combined content of protein and dietary fibre (% dry matter by weight) of between <NUM> and <NUM>% (e.g. <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>%, or any intermediate value) and a ratio of protein to dietary fibre (dry matter by weight) of between <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g. <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or any intermediate value), wherein the total dietary fibre content is determined by AOAC <NUM> and the total protein content is determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>.

The bulk density of the protein composition is preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>/mL, its tapped density is preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>/mL and its Hausner index is preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>. The protein composition is preferably produced according to the process of the present invention.

A protein composition comprising a higher amount of proteins is deemed especially beneficial for obtaining a final food product for athletes. The protein composition is deemed to improve the nutritional composition of the final food product, whereby the final food products comprising the specified fibre and protein fractions are especially beneficial for improving the body composition and the metabolic risk factors, improving insulin sensitivity glucose and lipid levels, facilitating weight loss alongside and improving lean mass retention. Moreover, the final food product comprises a beneficial effect on plasma lipids.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, said fibre fraction (i.e. the total dietary fibre content of the protein composition) has an insoluble fibre content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction. The protein composition wherein the fibre fraction comprises mostly insoluble fibre is deemed to lead to final food products which are especially advantageous for improving the bowel movement and for helping with weight loss or with the maintenance of a healthy weight.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, said fibre fraction comprises between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, arabinoxylan, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction. Foods comprising said preferred protein composition are deemed to be especially beneficial for improving the immunomodular activity, the cholesterol lowering activity, the absorption of minerals, the attenuation of type II diabetes and the prebiotics effect.

Preferably, said fibre fraction comprises at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, arabinoxylan, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction. Preferably, said fibre fraction comprises at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, arabinoxylan, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, said fibre fraction comprises between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, cellulose, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction.

Preferably, said fibre fraction comprises at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, cellulose, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction. Preferably, said fibre fraction comprises at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, cellulose, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, said fibre fraction comprises between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, lignin, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction.

Preferably, said fibre fraction comprises at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, lignin, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction. Preferably, said fibre fraction comprises at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, lignin, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, said fibre fraction has an soluble fibre content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction.

In a preferred embodiment, the protein composition has an amino acid content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition. In a more preferred embodiment, the protein composition has an amino acid content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

Preferably, the protein composition has an amino acid content of at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition. Preferably, the protein composition has an amino acid content of at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably of at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably of at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably of at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably of at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably of at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the protein composition has an essential amino acid content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said protein composition; a conditionally essential amino acid content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said protein composition; and a non-essential amino acid content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the protein composition has a starch content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition. By ensuring that the protein composition does not comprise a starch content of more than <NUM> % dry mass by weight, the protein composition is especially suitable for obtaining final food products comprising a low starch level, which are deemed to be beneficial for reducing the insulin levels, improving weight management and reducing risk of heart disease.

In a preferred embodiment, the protein composition comprises a moisture content of at most <NUM> % by weight of said composition. A moisture content of at most <NUM> % by weight is beneficial for improving the shelf-life of the protein composition, more particularly for improving the time before the protein composition becomes lumpy and therefore hard to dissolve, and/or before the protein composition becomes contaminated. Lower moisture levels improved the shelf-life even more. An improved shelf-life is beneficial for the storage of the protein composition (powdery composition).

Preferably, the protein composition comprises a moisture content of at most <NUM>% by weight, preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, more preferably of at most <NUM>% by weight, even more preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, of said composition. Preferably, the protein composition comprises a moisture content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the protein composition has a fat content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said protein composition. The protein composition is beneficial for obtaining final food products comprising a lower fat content. Food products having a low fat content are deemed to be beneficial for weight loss and lowering the risk of obtaining heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes.

In a preferred embodiment, the protein composition has an insoluble fibre content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the protein composition has a soluble fibre content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> %, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> %, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> %, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> %, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> %, of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the protein composition has an iron content of from <NUM> to <NUM> (for example <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, or any intermediate value), preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, per <NUM> (dry matter) of the protein composition. It is a particular advantage of the present invention that such high levels of iron can be achieved in the protein composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the protein composition has a particle size d90 (as measured by laser diffraction) of at most <NUM>, more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>. In an even more preferred embodiment, the protein composition has a particle size d90 of between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>. In an even more preferred embodiment, the particle size d90 is about <NUM>.

The applicant has noticed that having a particle size of at most <NUM>, and especially a particle size of at most <NUM>, resulted in improved sensory and textural attributes when the protein composition was added to different foods. Additionally, the ash content of the protein composition was lowered.

In a preferred embodiment, the protein composition has a sugar content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the protein composition has a total carbohydrate content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

Preferably, the protein composition has a total carbohydrate content of at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition. Preferably, the protein composition has a total carbohydrate content of at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the protein composition has an ash content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the protein composition has an alcohol content of <NUM> % dry mass by weight of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the protein composition is packaged in a packaging comprising a food grade plastic liner on at least one, preferably on all, inner surfaces. Preferably, the packaging further comprises a multiwall Kraft paper.

An example protein composition of the present invention is a powdery food composition comprising a protein fraction and a fibre fraction, wherein said composition is derived from Brewer's Spent Grain; characterized in that the total amount of said protein and said fibre fraction in said composition lies between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight of said composition, and wherein the ratio of protein and fibre fraction in said composition is between <NUM> and <NUM>, wherein said composition has a starch content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, and wherein said composition has an insoluble fibre content of between <NUM> and <NUM> %.

The protein composition produced by the processes of thepresent invention but not encompassed by the wording of the claims may also be described with reference to the following numbered clauses:.

The fibre composition produced by the processes of the present invention is produced from brewer's spent grain. The fibre composition:.

The fibre composition produced by the processes of the present invention is also referred to as a powdery food composition comprising a protein fraction and a fibre fraction.

The inventors have observed that such fibre composition is suitable as an ingredient to increases the fibre and protein level in different final food products and the average daily intake of proteins and fibres of the consumers of the food products containing the them. The food products comprising said fibre composition are especially beneficial for increasing the daily fibre intake, which is associated with numerous health benefits such as lowering the fat uptake in the gut, increasing growth for building or repairing tissues (e.g. muscle, bone, cartilage skin or blood), increasing anti-inflammatory properties, increasing gut health (increase in digestion, stimulation of the gut microbiota and normalizing bowel movements), stimulating weight loss and for the maintenance of a healthy physique. The fibre composition is especially advantageous for obtaining final food products which are deemed to be beneficial for people wanting to lose weight or who have a difficult time maintaining a healthy weight, and for diabetic patients or patients suffering from high cholesterol or constipation. Moreover, due to the high fibre content, the addition of a moderate amount of said fibre composition would suffice to increase the fibre content of a final food product and therefore possibly being economically beneficial for the consumer, as well as being beneficial for reducing the chance that the fibre composition could influence the taste of the final food product.

Additionally, the fibre composition is obtained from a product that has been traditionally wasted or used animal feed, pet food or compost after the corresponding brewing process, which is readily available in large quantities throughout the year, making the fibre composition sustainable from an economic and environmental standpoint.

The protein content of said fibre composition can be measured with conventional means in the art, e.g. by Foss equipment based on the Kjeldahl method or with any other suitable method known in the art, such as but not limiting to the Dumas method. The Nitrogen:protein conversion factor used in the Kjeldahl method is <NUM>. A suitable method can be found according to BS <NUM> Pt <NUM>: <NUM>.

Preferably, the total amount of said protein and said fibre fraction (i.e. the total combined content of protein and dietary fibre) in said fibre composition is at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

Preferably, the total amount of said protein and said fibre fraction in said fibre composition is at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition, of said composition.

Preferably, the ratio of protein and fibre fraction in said fibre composition is between <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g. <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. 55or any intermediate value)more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the total amount of said protein and said fibre fraction in said fibre composition is between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight of said composition. The ratio of protein and fibre fraction in said fibre composition is between <NUM> and <NUM>. Said fibre composition is especially beneficial for increasing the fibre content of final food products.

The fibre composition preferably has a total combined content of protein and dietary fibre (% dry matter by weight) of between <NUM> and <NUM>% (e.g. <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>% or any intermediate value), preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, and a ratio of protein to dietary fibre (dry matter by weight) of between <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g. <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or any intermediate value), preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, wherein the total dietary fibre content is determined by AOAC <NUM> and the total protein content is determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>.

The bulk density of the fibre composition is preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>/mL, its tapped density is preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>/mL and its Hausner index is preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, said fibre fraction (i.e. the total dietary fibre content) has an insoluble fibre content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction. The fibre composition wherein the fibre fraction comprises mostly insoluble fibre is deemed to lead to final food products which are especially advantageous for improving the bowel movement and for helping with weight loss or with the maintenance of a healthy weight.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, said fibre fraction comprises between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, arabinoxylan, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction. Foods comprising said preferred fibre composition are deemed to be especially beneficial for improving the immunomodular activity, the cholesterol lowering activity, the absorption of minerals, the attenuation of type II diabetes and the prebiotics effect.

Preferably, said fibre fraction comprises at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, arabinoxylan, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction. Preferably, said fibre fraction comprises at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, arabinoxylan, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction.

Preferably, said fibre fraction comprises at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, cellulose, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction. Preferably, said fibre fraction comprises at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, cellulose, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, said fibre fraction comprises between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, lignin, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction.

Preferably, said fibre fraction comprises at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, lignin, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction. Preferably, said fibre fraction comprises at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, lignin, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, said fibre fraction has a soluble fibre content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, based on the total weight of the fibre fraction.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has an amino acid content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition. In a more preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has an amino acid content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has an essential amino acid content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition; a conditionally essential amino acid content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition; and a non-essential amino acid content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has a starch content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition. By ensuring that the fibre composition does not comprise a starch content of more than <NUM> % dry mass by weight, the fibre composition is especially suitable for obtaining final food products comprising a low starch level, which are deemed to be beneficial for reducing the insulin levels, improving weight management and reducing risk of heart disease.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition comprises a moisture content of at most <NUM> % by weight of said composition. A moisture content of at most <NUM> % by weight is beneficial for improving the shelf-life of the fibre composition, more particularly for improving the time before the fibre composition becomes lumpy and therefore hard to dissolve, and/or before the fibre composition becomes contaminated. Lower moisture levels improved the shelf-life even more. An improved shelf-life is beneficial for the storage of the fibre composition.

Preferably, the fibre composition comprises a moisture content of at most <NUM> % by weight, preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, more preferably of at most <NUM>% by weight, even more preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably of at most <NUM> % by weight, of said composition. Preferably, the fibre composition comprises a moisture content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % by weight, of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has a fat content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition. The fibre composition is beneficial for obtaining final food products comprising a lower fat content. Food products having a low fat content are deemed to be beneficial for weight loss and lowering the risk of obtaining heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has an insoluble fibre content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>% dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has a soluble fibre content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has an iron content of from <NUM> to <NUM> (for example <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, or any intermediate value), preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, per <NUM> (dry matter) of the fibre composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has a particle size d90 (as measured by laser diffraction) of at most <NUM>, more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>, even more preferably at most <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has a particle size (d90) of at least <NUM>, more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>, even more preferably of at least <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has a particle size d90 of between <NUM> and <NUM>, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>. In an even more preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has a particle size distribution d90 of between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, even more preferably the fibre composition has a particle size d90 of about <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has a sugar content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has a total carbohydrate content of at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at most <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has a total carbohydrate content of at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably at least <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has a total carbohydrate content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has an ash content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition has an alcohol content of <NUM> % dry mass by weight of said composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibre composition is packaged in a packaging comprising a food grade plastic liner on at least one, preferably on all, inner surfaces. Preferably, the packaging further comprises a multiwall Kraft paper.

An example fibre composition of the present invention is a powdery food composition comprising a protein fraction and a fibre fraction, wherein said composition is derived from Brewer's Spent Grain; characterized in that the total amount of said protein and said fibre fraction in said composition lies between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight of said composition, and wherein the ratio of protein and fibre fraction in said composition is between <NUM> and <NUM>, wherein said composition has a starch content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, and wherein said composition has an insoluble fibre content of between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight.

The fibre composition produced by the processes of the present invention but not encompassed by the wording of the claims may also be described with reference to the following numbered clauses:.

The present invention will now be further exemplified with reference to the following examples. The present invention is in no way limited to the given examples or to the embodiments presented in the figures.

Milling technologies were evaluated using the following types of mill:.

Representative samples of dried BSG were coarsely ground to remove agglomerates present after the drying process using a knife mill (SM300, Retsch ®) and then used for the evaluation.

The impact (ZPS) mill was not able to effectively mil the fibrous material into a low particle size powder suitable for fractionation. Similarly, the beater mill was not able to produce a sufficiently fine powder. The pin mill, attrition mill and counter rotating pin mill were all effective and able to produce desired bimodal particle size distributions using different milling principles.

The attrition mill and counter rotating pin mill of Example <NUM> were used in combination with an air classifier (<NUM> ATP Classifier, Hosokawa-Alpine®).

The attrition mill rotation speed was set to <NUM>, providing an evaporative capacity of <NUM>/h. The retention time in the equipment was monitored to obtain a powder with a d90 of <NUM>-<NUM>.

The counter rotating pin mill was set to <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> rpm each rotor.

The air classifier was set at <NUM><NUM>/h air flow and a rotation speed of <NUM> rpm, <NUM> rpm or <NUM> rpm. The feed rate was set at <NUM>/h.

The particle size distributions of the powder obtained after attrition milling and after subsequent air classification of the attrition milled powder at <NUM> rpm is shown in <FIG>.

The particle size distributions of the powder obtained after counter rotating pin milling (<NUM> rpm each rotor) and after subsequent air classification of the pin milled powder at <NUM> rpm is shown in <FIG>.

The protein content (% dry matter; as determined by the Kjeldahl method; conversion factor <NUM>) of the coarse and fine fractions obtained by attrition milling and subsequent air classification of the attrition milled powder at <NUM> rpm is shown in <FIG>.

The protein content (% dry matter; as determined by the Kjeldahl method; conversion factor <NUM>) of the coarse and fine fractions obtained by counter rotating pin milling and subsequent air classification of the pin milled powder is shown in <FIG>.

It can be seen from <FIG> that the combination of a pin mill, particularly a counter rotating pin mill, and an air classifier, achieves surprisingly better separation into high protein (fine) and low protein/high fibre (coarse) fractions.

Wet BSG comprising spent barley was sourced from a brewery. The BSG was dried, milled and fractionated into a fine composition and a coarse composition.

The drying process was carried out using a tray oven to a moisture content of <NUM> % or less. Wet BSG was placed in the oven and the moisture level was monitored until a level of <NUM> % or less was reached.

The milling was carried out using a counter rotating pin mill CW250 Alpine CW Contraplex Pin Mill, Hosokawa Micron Powder Systems) set to <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> rpm each rotor.

The fractionating was carried out using an air classifier (<NUM> ATP Classifier, Hosokawa-Alpine®) set at <NUM><NUM>/h air flow and a rotation speed of <NUM> rpm, <NUM> rpm or <NUM> rpm. The feed rate was set at <NUM>/h.

The total dietary fibre content was determined following the AOAC Official Method <NUM> to determine insoluble, soluble, and total dietary fibre in foods, by de-sugaring and defatting a sample. The sample was further subjected to an enzymatic digestion by heat stable α-amylase, protease and amyloglucosidase to remove starch and protein. The insoluble dietary fibre content was filtered, washed, dried and weighed. The residue was split, one portion was tested for protein content and the other was tested for the determination of the ash content. The insoluble dietary fibre content was determined gravimetrically after correction for protein, ash and blank. For soluble fibre, the filtrate was precipitated with alcohol to determine gravimetrically the water:alcohol insoluble fibre; and nonprecipitable water:alcohol soluble fibre was filtrated, deionized, concentrated and determined by liquid chromatography.

The protein content was determined by digesting a sample with a mixture of concentrated sulphuric acid and potassium sulphate using copper (II) sulphate as a catalyst, converting organic nitrogen present to ammonium sulphate. Excess sodium hydroxide was automatically added to the cooled digest to liberate ammonia from the ammonium sulphate. The ammonia was auto-distilled into an excess of auto-dispensed indicator boric acid solution, then auto-titrated with standard sulphuric acid solution. The nitrogen content of the sample was calculated from the amount of ammonia produced. The quantity of nitrogen was measured as ammonia produced and determined under the conditions specified in this procedure and expressed in appropriate units. The percentage nitrogen content determined as above multiplied by the relevant factor (<NUM>) was expressed as a percentage by mass of protein.

The total amount of the protein and the fibre fraction was calculated by the summation of the protein fraction and the fibre fraction. The ratio of the protein and the fibre fraction was calculated by dividing the protein fraction by the fibre fraction.

The fat content was determined by gravimetry after an acid hydrolysis and a subsequent sample digestion with hydrochloric acid. After this step, the sample was filtered, dried and extracted with petroleum ether.

The total carbohydrates fraction was obtained by obtaining the total mass and subtracting the moisture content, the ash content, the fat content and the protein content from the total mass.

The starch content was obtained by subtracting the total dietary fibre fraction from the total carbohydrates fraction.

An analysis was performed on the fine and coarse compositions. The total dietary fibre fraction, the protein fraction, the fat content and the ash content were determined and expressed in % dry mass by weight. Additionally, the total amount of the protein and the fibre fraction and the ratio of the protein and the fibre fraction were calculated.

The obtained values for nine different samples of the fine composition (1f-9f) and eight different samples of the coarse composition (1c-8c) are illustrated in Tables 1a and 1b.

Other powdery compositions and seeds or brans were analyzed. The obtained values are illustrated in Table <NUM>.

From Table <NUM> it is clear that none of the compared flours, brans or seeds has a total amount of a protein and a fibre fraction between <NUM> and <NUM> % dry mass by weight, none has a ratio of the protein and the fibre fraction between <NUM> and <NUM>, and none has a ratio of the protein and the fibre fraction between <NUM> and <NUM>.

General analysis was performed on the fine and coarse compositions. Tables 3a and 3b illustrate the obtained results.

From the results it can be concluded that the fine composition comprises a high total amount of protein and fibre fraction and the coarse composition comprises a high total amount of protein and fibre fraction, while both compositions have a really low fat, sugar and starch content.

A microbiology analysis was performed on the fine and coarse compositions. The obtained results are illustrated in Tables 4a and 4b.

The results show that neither composition comprises a harmful bacteria culture, and both are suitable to be used in a human diet.

A specification analysis was performed on the fine and coarse compositions. The obtained results are illustrated in Tables 5a and 5b.

An amino acid analysis was performed on the fine and coarse compositions. The obtained results are illustrated in Tables 6a and 6b.

The results show that the tested fine composition comprises an essential amino acid content of <NUM> % dry mass by weight, a conditionally essential amino acid content of <NUM> % dry mass by weight and a non-essential amino acid content of <NUM> % dry mass by weight.

The results show that the tested coarse composition comprises an essential amino acid content of <NUM> % dry mass by weight, a conditionally essential amino acid content of <NUM> % dry mass by weight and a non-essential amino acid content of <NUM> % dry mass by weight.

A mineral analysis was performed on the fine and coarse compositions. The obtained results are illustrated in Tables 7a and 7b.

A vitamin analysis was performed on the fine and coarse compositions. The obtained results are illustrated in Tables 8a and 8b.

The husk of a barley plant and the dry mass of a Brewers' Spent Grain sourced from a brewery was analyzed for the total dietary fibre content, the protein content, the fat content and the ash content. Additionally, the total amount of the protein and the fibre fraction and the ratio of the protein and the fibre fraction was calculated. The total amount of the protein and the fibre fraction was calculated by the summation of the protein fraction and the fibre fraction. The ratio of the protein and the fibre fraction was calculated by dividing the protein fraction by the fibre fraction. Table <NUM> illustrates the obtained results.

Claim 1:
A process for producing a fibre composition and a protein composition, wherein the process comprises:
a) providing dried brewer's spent grain having a moisture content of <NUM>% by weight or less;
b) micronising the dried brewer's spent grain using a pin mill to provide micronised brewer's spent grain having a particle size (d50) of from <NUM> to <NUM> and a particle size (d90) of from <NUM> to <NUM>, as determined by laser diffraction;
c) fractionating the micronised brewer's spent grain using an air classifier to provide a coarse fraction and a fine fraction; and
d) collecting the coarse fraction to provide the fibre composition and collecting the fine fraction to provide the protein composition, wherein the fibre composition has a total combined content of protein and dietary fibre (% dry matter by weight) of between <NUM> and <NUM>% and a ratio of protein to dietary fibre (dry matter by weight) of between <NUM> and <NUM>; and, wherein the protein composition has a total combined content of protein and dietary fibre (% dry matter by weight) of between <NUM> and <NUM>% and a ratio of protein to dietary fibre (dry matter by weight) of between <NUM> and <NUM>;
wherein the total dietary fibre content is determined by AOAC <NUM> and the total protein content is determined by the Kjeldahl method using a conversion factor of <NUM>.