Tryptose is an enzymatic digest of protein for use in preparing microbiological culture media in a laboratory setting. Tryptose is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions in humans.

Tryptose was developed while studying growth requirements of Brucella spp. Huddleson found Tryptose media to be equal or superior to meat infusion media, providing uniformity for the cultivation and differentiation of fastidious organisms including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Streptococcus milleri and Brucella spp.. Casman reported that a medium consisting of 2% Tryptose, along with other media ingredients, equaled fresh beef infusion base with respect to organism growth.

Tryptose is recommended in broth and agar formulations, and when used in media containing blood to permit hemolytic reactions. Tryptose is used in the preparation of Tryptose Broth (NCM0087). Tryptose media are recommended in standard methods for food testing.