2106.10.00.00 - Protein concentrates and textured protein substances

This HTS category, 2106.10.00.00, specifically covers protein concentrates and textured protein substances. These are products derived from plant or animal sources, where the protein content has been significantly increased and/or the physical structure has been altered to mimic meat-like textures. This includes isolates and concentrates of soy, whey, or other proteins, as well as products formed by extrusion or other processes to create fibrous or granular textures. The primary purpose of these goods is typically as ingredients in food manufacturing for protein enrichment or as meat alternatives.

Within Chapter 21, which broadly addresses miscellaneous edible preparations, this subheading is distinct from its sibling, 2106.90 (Other). While 2106.90 encompasses a wide range of food preparations not elsewhere specified, including sweetened or flavored preparations, confectioneries, and certain baking powders, 2106.10.00.00 is narrowly focused on the physical form and protein concentration of the raw or semi-processed protein materials themselves, rather than their final ready-to-eat preparation.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS, there are no further subcategories. Classification under this heading hinges on the nature of the product as a protein concentrate or a textured protein substance. Key determining factors include the protein content (often exceeding certain thresholds depending on the source material) and whether the product has undergone texturization processes, such as extrusion, to impart a fibrous or granular structure indicative of imitation meat.