Abstract: A short chain peptide material is provided containing a peptide material derived from a protein material. At least a majority of the peptides in the peptide material have a peptide chain length of 7 peptides or less. The peptide material is at least 95% soluble in an aqueous solution having a pH at which the protein material from which the peptide material is derived is insoluble. A process for forming the short chain peptide material is also provided. A slurry is formed of a protein material at a pH at which the protein material is substantially insoluble. The protein material is contacted with an enzyme having substantial endopeptidase activity and substantial exopeptidase activity at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form the peptide material of the invention.