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Nut and seed press cakes provide higher protein and lower fat than whole nutsNut and Seed Press Cakes Offer High Protein and Fiber

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Key Takeaway
Note that nut and seed press cakes offer higher protein and lower fat content than whole nuts for potential use in nutrition.

This scoping review and guideline synthesizes the nutritional composition and functional properties of nut and seed press cakes compared to whole nuts and whey protein. The analysis focuses on protein quality, fiber content, energy density, and total fat content to evaluate their potential as functional ingredients.

Key findings indicate that press cakes contain 35.4 g/100 g of protein, which is higher than the 19.3 g/100 g found in whole nuts. Additionally, press cakes have a lower total fat content of 14.3 g/100 g compared to 51.1 g/100 g in whole nuts. The review notes that 7 press cakes exceeded the WHO leucine guideline.

Several limitations were identified, including a lack of studies investigating the use of press cakes specifically for sports, recovery, or performance. The authors note that more evidence is required to solidify the efficacy of proposed applications and to determine dose response relationships.

Clinically, press cakes may serve as sustainable, protein, and fiber-rich ingredients in sports nutrition. This is particularly relevant for patients following plant-based or environmentally conscious diets, though their specific impact on athletic performance is not yet established.

Researchers reviewed the nutritional makeup of nut and seed press cakes compared to whole nuts and seeds. They found that press cakes contain much higher protein levels, measuring 35.4 g per 100 g, while whole nuts and seeds contain only 19.3 g per 100 g. Additionally, press cakes have lower total fat content than whole versions.

Some press cakes also exceeded the World Health Organization guidelines for leucine, an important amino acid. These findings suggest that press cakes could be useful as ingredients in products for people seeking high protein and fiber, especially for those following plant-based diets.

It is important to note that this was a scoping review, which means the evidence is still early. There were no studies specifically testing these cakes for sports performance or recovery. More research is needed to determine the exact dose response and how these ingredients work in practical applications.

What this means for you:
Nut and seed press cakes have higher protein and lower fat than whole nuts, but more research is needed for sports use.

Common questions

How much protein is in nut and seed press cakes?

Nut and seed press cakes contain 35.4 g of protein per 100 g. This is significantly higher than the 19.3 g per 100 g found in whole nuts and seeds. This makes them a concentrated source of protein compared to the whole versions.

Are these cakes good for sports nutrition?

The research suggests they could be used in sports nutrition because they are rich in protein and fiber. However, the study notes that no specific trials have yet investigated their use for sports performance or recovery, so more evidence is needed.

What is the fat content of press cakes compared to whole nuts?

Press cakes have a lower fat content of 14.3 g per 100 g. In comparison, whole nuts and seeds have a much higher fat content of 51.1 g per 100 g. This difference makes press cakes a more concentrated protein source.

Study Details

Study typeGuideline
EvidenceLevel 5
PublishedJul 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
PurposeNut and seed press cakes are nutrient-rich by-products of oil extraction, traditionally directed to animal feed. This review synthesises current knowledge on the nutritional composition and functional properties of press cakes, with regards to their incorporation as sustainable protein and fibre rich ingredients in sports nutrition.MethodsA scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines to identify studies on nut and seed press cakes relevant to sports nutrition. Nutrient composition and protein quality data were extracted from peer-reviewed sources, with comparisons made between whole nuts/seeds, press cakes, and comparable foods. As only three studies were eligible, the remainder of the review focussed on compositional factors and translation to sports nutrition contexts.ResultsDespite use of press cakes in agricultural contexts for animal feed, and some existing applications in human nutrition, no studies investigated their use for sport, recovery or performance. In comparison to whole nuts/seeds (mean protein content 19.3 g/100 g), protein content was higher in all but one press cake (35.4 g/100 g), with eight press cakes more than doubling the protein content of the whole food equivalent. Energy density was higher in two press cakes; total fat content was lower in all (51.1 g/100 g for whole, 14.3 g/100 g for press cakes). While none exceeded whey protein for leucine or lysine, seven press cakes exceeded WHO leucine guideline. Higher protein and fibre alongside lower energy density and total fat is aligned with some sport nutrition objectives.ConclusionTogether, there is academic and commercial precedent of press cakes being incorporated into food, especially as baked goods or in smoothies. Their nutritional profiles and compatibility with common foods support their translation to athletes, particularly those following plant-based or environmentally conscious diets, though more evidence is needed to solidify the efficacy of these proposed applications, particularly dose response.
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