Effective distinction was achieved among a wide range of lupin grain samples by either sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)-gel electrophoresis or capillary electrophoresis, based on grain-protein composition. Capillary electrophoresis was faster (< 1 h) and provided slightly greater distinction between the samples. On the other hand, SDS-gel electrophoresis could provide a greater through-put of samples in a 24 h period. Either technique could be used successfully to distinguish between lupin species and cultivars for taxonomic analysis or seed identification.