The best amino acid powder grade is not always the product with the highest percentage. A buyer should choose among 35%, 45% and 80% grades by considering verified composition, formulation space, cost, salts, solubility, application and destination-market requirements.
The percentage normally refers to total amino acids. It should not automatically be interpreted as the free-amino-acid content.
Current Everwell Bio grade comparison
| Parameter | Amino Acids 35 | Amino Acids 45 | Amino Acids 80 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total amino acids | ≥35% | ≥45% | ≥80% |
| Published total nitrogen | ≥17% | ≥16% | ≥12% |
| Organic matter | ≥35% | ≥60% | ≥80% |
| Moisture | ≤5% | ≤5% | ≤5% |
| pH, 1% solution | 4–6 | 4–6 | 4–6 |
| Water solubility | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Source | Hydrolyzed duck feather protein | Hydrolyzed duck feather protein | Hydrolyzed duck feather protein |
Everwell Bio has also published representative independent free-amino-acid results of 41.93% for a tested Amino Acids 45 sample and 75.37% for a tested Amino Acids 80 sample. These results relate to the tested samples and should not replace the assigned batch COA.
The nitrogen pattern in the table shows why buyers should not infer nitrogen content from the amino acid grade. Ask whether the reported value is total nitrogen or organic nitrogen and confirm any contribution from inorganic salts.
When a 35% grade may be suitable
A 35% grade may be considered when:
- formulation space is available;
- the target amino acid contribution is moderate;
- cost per finished unit is a priority; and
- the remaining composition is compatible with the formula.
Do not assume that a lower amino acid percentage means lower nitrogen. Use the actual specification.
When a 45% grade may be suitable
A 45% grade can offer a middle position between concentration and formulation cost. It may be relevant to water-soluble blends, foliar products and fertigation formulations when the buyer wants more amino acids per kilogram than a 35% grade without moving to the highest concentration.
Its suitability still depends on free amino acids, salts and stability in the final formulation.
When an 80% grade may be suitable
An 80% grade may be useful when:
- formulation space is limited;
- a high total-amino-acid contribution is required;
- lower powder inclusion is desired; or
- freight per kilogram of total amino acids is important.
On a theoretical total-amino-acid basis, 1 kg of an 80% product provides the same total amino acids as approximately 1.78 kg of a 45% product or 2.29 kg of a 35% product. These ratios do not prove equivalent field performance.
Compare cost correctly
Price per kilogram is not enough. Compare:
- delivered cost per kilogram of the required component;
- total and free amino acids by comparable methods;
- nitrogen and salt contribution;
- losses from insoluble matter or filtration;
- formulation and packaging efficiency; and
- performance in the intended formula.
Check solubility under actual conditions
All three grades are sold as water-soluble powders, but concentrated solution behavior can differ. Test using the actual water, temperature, concentration and ingredients.
For foliar or fertigation products, review:
- dissolution time;
- sediment and filterability;
- solution pH;
- compatibility with calcium, phosphate and micronutrients;
- storage stability; and
- crop safety at the intended use rate.
Documents to request
Before selecting a grade, request:
- current specification or TDS;
- representative COA;
- assigned batch COA before shipment;
- total- and free-amino-acid methods;
- total nitrogen and organic nitrogen separately;
- sodium, chloride or other salt data where relevant;
- SDS;
- raw-material and process statement; and
- a sample for bench testing.
Questions to include in an RFQ
- Which grade and minimum total-amino-acid value are offered?
- What is the current free-amino-acid result and test method?
- Is nitrogen reported as total or organic nitrogen?
- What are the source and hydrolysis route?
- What are the pH, solubility and relevant salt values?
- Which documents are available for the destination market?
- What are the packaging, quantity and current lead time?
- Can a representative sample be linked to the offered grade?
Conclusion
Choose 35%, 45% or 80% by the formulation target and verified product data. Higher concentration can improve formulation efficiency, but it does not automatically deliver better crop performance or regulatory suitability.
Need Help Selecting the Right Grade?
Our technical team will recommend the optimal amino acid purity and formulation for your crops and market.