Setton Farms Pistachios Now Considered a “Complete Protein” For Those Over the Age of Five

Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., the nation’s second largest pistachio grower and processor based in California’s Central Valley, is thrilled to announce that U.S grown roasted pistachios meet the generally accepted definition of a “complete protein.” This means pistachios now join the ranks of a select few plant proteins such as quinoa, chickpeas, and soybeans, offering a plant-based alternative to animal proteins.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, protein is made up of 20 different amino acids. The FDA explains that 9 out of the 20 amino acids are considered “essential,” meaning they cannot be made by the body and must be obtained through food. The FDA defines a complete protein as a food that contains “all of the essential amino acids in adequate amounts.” Most complete proteins come from meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. [1] Roasted pistachios are now considered a complete protein source for those who are over 5 years of age.

“It feels great to be able to offer consumers a complete protein that will meet a variety of dietary needs,” said Setton Farms COO Mia Cohen. “This new analysis gives our customers another great reason to enjoy the nutritional benefits of our pistachios.”

A Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) for pistachios, presented at the Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS) Conference in Dublin, Ireland on October 17, 2019 reported representation of adequate levels of all nine essential amino acids in roasted pistachios.[2] Boasting a PDCAAS of 81 percent and 80 percent of casein, roasted pistachios meet the USDA definition as an alternate source of protein for school meals. [3]

Setton Farms Pistachios are sold in stores nationwide, including Kroger, Meijer, Wegmans, Jewel, Lunds & Byerlys, Woodmans, Shoprite, Winco, Bed Bath & Beyond, Albertson/Shaws, At Home, Hudson News, and online at Amazon.com.

Grown in California's Central Valley, Setton Farms' pistachios are vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten Free, accredited by the American Heart Association and Kosher. All of Setton Farms' pistachios are grown, processed, and packaged using renewable energy and eco-friendly practices.

The Setton family is dedicated to providing healthy and delicious pistachio snack options that consumers of all ages love. In addition to their full line of roasted pistachio items, Setton Farms produces Seasoned Pistachio Kernels, Pistachio Chewy Bites, Dark Chocolate Covered Pistachios, Premium Nut Blends, and other nutritious, pistachio-based snacks.

[1] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/interactivenutritionfactslabel/factsheets/Protein.pdf

[2] https://www.morressier.com/article/p33705--digestible-indispensable-amino-acid-score-diaas-better-estimates-protein-value-pistachios-digestibility-corrected-amino-acid-score-pdcaas/5d5e5188bedcf39b766368c3

[3] https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2011-title7-vol4/xml/CFR-2011-title7-vol4-part210-appA.xml