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

It  was developed while studying growth requirements of Brucella spp. Huddleson found the 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.

It is recommended in broth and agar formulations, and when used in media containing blood to permit hemolytic reactions. It is used in the preparation of Tryptose Broth (Product Code No. NCM0087). The  media are recommended in standard methods for food testing.