Morning Stainless....
[h3]Water Binders[/h3]
Soy protein powders are added at around 2% as the larger amounts will affect the taste and flavor of the product. They bind water extremely well and cover fat particles with fine emulsion. This prevents fats from lumping together. Their ability to produce gel contributes to the increased firmness of the product. The sausage will be juicier, plumper and with less shrivelling but the amount of added soy protein concentrate should not exceed 3% otherwise it may impart a “beany” flavor to the product.
Soy protein isolate is a natural product that contains at least 90% protein and no other ingredients. Soy protein isolate is stronger and costlier of the two and can bind 5 parts of water.
Soy protein concentrate, available from most online distributors of sausage making supplies is a natural product that contains 70% protein plus other ingredients, for example, ash and some fibres. It binds 4 parts of water and it improves the texture of the sausage.
Non fat dry milk powder can bind water and is often used in making sausages, including fermented types. Dry milk powder contains 50% lactose (sugar) and is used in fermented sausages as a source of food for lactic acid producing bacteria. It also contains around 35% of protein, about 0.6 - 1% fat and may be considered a healthy high energy product. Dry milk powder greatly improves the taste of low fat sausages. Non fat dry milk powder is a good natural product and it does not affect the flavor of the product. It is added at about 3% and effectively binds water and emulsifies fats. Its action is very similar to that of soy protein concentrate.
Dave
No disrespect intended so please don't take offense. Just wondering where your article is from. I took my info from Rytek Kutas book.
He writes that the USDA'S max allowed amount of soy protien concentrate or nfdmp is 3.5%. The USDA does that to make sure folks aren't buying Soy at $5 #... trying to keep the sausage houses somewhat honest...
He also writes that neither will impart any flavour to the sausage until a rate of 12.5% (forgive me if that should be 12%. That could have been a typo and should have been 2.5% before flavor will be affected is my unscientific guess..
I'm at work at the moment and don't have the book in front of me). Also his recipe for Brats contains soy protein concentrate at a rate of 3%. I realise his book is old and some practices could be out of date.