Impact of lysine and liquid smoke as flavor enhancers on the quality of low-fat Bologna-type sausages with 50% replacement of NaCl by KCl

Evaluation of the texture characteristics and taste of shrimp surimi with partial replacement of NaCl by non‑sodium metal salts

Ionic strength plays a significant role in the aggregation behavior of myofibrillar proteins. The study investigated the effects of KCl or CaCl2 as substitutes for NaCl on the gel properties and taste of shrimp surimi at a constant ionic strength (IS = 0.51). Increased KCl substitution ratio resulted in a reduction in α-helix content and an increase in β-sheet content of myofibrillar proteins, thereby enhancing water holding capacity. Optimal KCl substitutions (1.5% NaCl +1.94% KCl) contributed to maintaining the desired taste and improving gel properties. CaCl2 facilitates the extraction and dissolution of myofibrillar proteins, resulting in an organized and dense gel network with significant water-holding capacity. However, excessive additions (>1.27%) resulted in a notable decrease in taste and gel strength due to excessive aggregation and precipitation of myofibrillar proteins. These findings provide a solid theoretical foundation for production of high-quality, low-salt shrimp surimi.

Application of lysine as a potential alternative to sodium salt in frankfurters: With emphasis on quality profile promotion and saltiness compensation

This study aimed to investigate the effect of lysine (Lys) on quality profile promotion and saltiness compensation in reduced‑sodium salt frankfurters. The results showed that the cooking loss of reduced‑sodium salt frankfurters decreased from 5.63 to 3.45% when the Lys level increased from 0.1 to 0.7%, as well as enhanced water contents and saltiness in a Lys dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the corresponding peak area percentage (A21) of reduced‑sodium salt frankfurters remarkably increased from 79.63% to 81.48% with the increased level of Lys. However, a higher level of Lys (≥ 0.5%) obviously reduced the textural properties of reduced‑sodium salt frankfurters, which was clearly verified by looser and rougher microstructures. Furthermore, hydrogen bonds were found to be the dominant molecular force in Lys-added reduced‑sodium salt frankfurters. Meanwhile, 0.3% Lys was found to exhibit the optimal sodium salt-replacing effect due to the highest degree of quality profile promotion and saltiness compensation. Additionally, directional triangle sensory evaluation further confirmed that the reduced‑sodium salt frankfurters treated with 0.3% Lys was perceived to be similar to control frankfurters, resulting a 50% salt-reduction effect. Thus, our results suggested that Lys could be applied as an efficient sodium salt alternative in reduced‑sodium salt frankfurters.

A new insight into the key matrix components for aftertaste in Ampelopsis grossedentata (vine tea) infusion: From the intensity and duration of taste profiles using non-targeted metabolomics and molecular simulation

The aftertaste with a prolonged duration in ampelopsis grossedentata infusion (AGTI) is easily perceived, however, its formation mechanism is unclear. Therefore, aftertaste-A and richness were confirmed as the characteristic aftertaste of AGTI through sensory evaluation and electronic tongue. Moreover, 5-KETE, theobromine, etc., metabolites were identified as the differential components between AGTI and green tea infusion. Among them, p-coumaroyl quinic acid, xanthine etc., and proline, dihydromyricetin, etc., components contributed more to the formation of aftertaste-A and richness, respectively. Further, the bonding between characteristic metabolites for aftertaste in AGTI with their receptors were shown to be more stable using molecular docking, compared to metabolites related to typical taste profiles. The aftertaste in AGTI was more easily perceived by saltiness components or in NaCl system by molecular simulation. This study offers novel insight into the interaction mechanism of aftertaste in tea infusion and will contribute to further study on aftertaste for other foods.

Role of taste receptors in salty taste perception of minerals and amino acids and developments in salt reduction strategies: A review

Salt (sodium chloride) plays a key role in maintaining the textural, microbiological, and sensorial aspects of the foods. However high dietary salt intake in the population has led to a series of health problems. Currently manufacturers are under pressure to reduce the sodium levels in foods without compromising the consumer experience. Because of the clean salty taste produced by sodium chloride, it has been challenging for the food industry to develop a suitable salt substitute. Studies have shown that different components within a food matrix can influence the perception of saltiness. This review aims to comprehend the potential synergistic effect of compounds such as minerals and amino acids on the perception of saltiness and covers the mechanism of perception where relevant to taste resulting from sodium ions and other metallic ions (such as K, Mg, Ca), as well as various amino acids and their derivatives. Finally, the review summarizes various salt reduction strategies explored by researchers, government organizations and food industry, including the potential use of plant-based extracts.

Design of colloid structure to realize gel salt reduction: a review

Excessive consumption of salt is associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and other health issues. However, it is challenging to find appropriate strategies that balance sensory qualities while achieving sodium reduction as salt plays a crucial role in providing desired appearance, texture, and taste. The impact of hydrocolloid properties (addition and type) on saltiness perception were reviewed. Additionally, considering the interactions between food components, both covalent and noncovalent, we propose designing specialized colloidal structures capable of binding sodium ions to enhance salt-taste perception. The effects of hydrocolloids on the physicochemical, structural, and sensory qualities of gel foods are then discussed. Finally, by addressing current issues with low-salt foods and consumer demands, we provide a future outlook for low-salt food development. The selection of suitable hydrocolloids and precise control of the addition are crucial considerations for achieving salt reduction. The interaction between hydrocolloids and other food components can be utilized to design specialized colloidal structures, thereby accomplishing gel-based salt reduction and enhancing properties. This review serves as a theoretical reference for developing healthy, nutritious, and flavorful low-salt foods that can aid in the prevention and mitigation of diseases associated with excessive salt consumption.

Effects of sodium chloride substitutes on physicochemical properties of salted beef

In this study, beef was marinated with different low-sodium salt substitutes and heated and aged by employing superheated steam roasting and traditional roasting to investigate the effects of the various substitutes on the physicochemical properties, texture profile, sensory properties, volatile compounds, microstructural characteristics, and safety of cured and aged beef. Twenty kilograms of beef were arbitrarily divided into five treatments and pickled with different low-sodium salt substitutes. The results revealed no significant differences in saltiness, physicochemical characteristics, texture profile, or volatile compounds between the T2 and T3 and T1 (100% NaCl, T1; 75% KCl + 25% NaCl, T2; 50% KCl + 50% NaCl, T3) samples. Furthermore, the T4 and T5 (50% NaCl + 25% KCl + 20% MgCl2 + 5% CaCl2, T4; 100% yeast extract, T5) samples had lower saltiness than the T1 sample. The plasmolysis percentage and osmotic pressure of the T2 and T3 samples were lower than those of the T1 sample. Therefore, reducing sodium by substituting NaCl with 50% KCl or 75% KCl maintained an acceptable sensory and safety profile for beef consumption.

Effects of ultrasound-assisted curing on the quality and microstructure of low-sodium beef jerky

The effects of ultrasonic brine on the physicochemical properties, sensory quality and microstructure of low-sodium beef jerkies were investigated. Compared with control jerky brined in 1.5% NaCl solution, both of the direct reduction and partial replacement of 50% NaCl by KCl decreased the sodium content. Ultrasonic treatment resulted in sharp reduction in shear force. KCl substitution together with ultrasonic treatment caused the highest yield, a* value and water content, and the water activity of all groups were below 0.85. Only the direct reduction of NaCl had negative effects on the sensory quality. KCl substitution combined with ultrasonic treatment was the most suitable for producing low-sodium beef jerkies with high quality, possibly because the mixed salt had equal total salt content to control. Meanwhile, the cavitation and mechanical effects of ultrasound may unfold protein structure, increase myofibrillar fragmentation index and break the muscle fiber, thus improving the quality of beef jerky.

Jabuticaba peel extract and nisin: A promising combination for reducing sodium nitrite in Bologna-type sausages

This study investigated the effect of a 50% reduction in sodium nitrite and the addition of nisin (200 mg/kg) and different concentrations (0, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%) of jabuticaba peel extract (JPE) on the main attributes affected by this chemical additive in Bologna-type sausages. The modified treatments showed approximately 50% lower residual nitrite than the control throughout the storage (60 days at 4 °C). The proposed reformulation did not affect the color (L*, a*, and b*), and the ΔE values (< 2) demonstrated high color stability during storage. Physicochemical (TBARS and volatile compounds) and sensory analyses performed to evaluate oxidative stability indicated that JPE exhibited antioxidant activity comparable to sodium nitrite. The microbiological quality of the reformulated products was similar to the control, but further studies should be conducted to assess the effect of this reformulation strategy on the growth of pathogenic microorganisms impacted by nitrite.

Flavour Profile of Traditional Dry Sausage Prepared with Partial Substitution of NaCl with KCl

The effects of partial substitution of NaCl with 0%, 20%, 30% and 40% KCl on the physical characteristics, bacterial community and flavour profile of traditional dry sausage were investigated in this study. With the increase in KCl substitution ratio, the moisture content, astringency, bitterness and umami increased significantly, and the saltiness gradually decreased (p < 0.05). The high-throughput sequencing results showed that the dry sausages with KCl substitution had relatively high abundances of Staphylococcus. For volatile compounds, increasing the KCl substitution ratio reduced the formation of aldehydes, ketones and some alcohols, but promoted the formation of acids and esters (p < 0.05). Sensory evaluation and partial least square regression analysis showed that the dry sausages with 20% and 30% KCl were similar in overall physical and microbial properties, flavour profiles and sensory attributes, and the sausages with 40% KCl were characterized by taste defects. Overall, partial substitution of NaCl with 30% KCl could ensure the acceptable flavour and sensory attributes of dry sausages.

A Combination of Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging with Two-Dimensional Correlation Analysis for Monitoring the Content of Alanine in Beef

Alanine (Ala), as the most important free amino acid, plays a significant role in food taste characteristics and human health regulation. The feasibility of using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) combined with two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) analysis to predict beef Ala content quickly and nondestructively is first proposed in this study. With Ala content as the external disturbance condition, the sequence of chemical bond changes caused by synchronous and asynchronous correlation spectrum changes in 2D-COS was analyzed, and local sensitive variables closely related to Ala content were obtained. On this basis, the simplified linear, nonlinear, and artificial neural network models developed by the weighted coefficient based on the feature wavelength extraction method were compared. The results show that with the change in Ala content in beef, the double-frequency absorption of the C-H bond of CH₂ in the chemical bond sequence occurred prior to the third vibration of the C=O bond and the first stretching of O-H in COOH. Furthermore, the wavelength within the 1136-1478 nm spectrum range was obtained as the local study area of Ala content. The linear partial least squares regression (PLSR) model based on effective wavelengths was selected by competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) from 2D-COS analysis, and provided excellent results (R²_C of 0.8141, R²_P of 0.8458, and RPDp of 2.54). Finally, the visual distribution of Ala content in beef was produced by the optimal simplified combination model. The results show that 2D-COS combined with NIR-HSI could be used as an effective method to monitor Ala content in beef.

Effect of high-power ultrasound and bamboo fiber on the technological and oxidative properties of phosphate-free meat emulsions

The combination of high-power ultrasound (HPU) and bamboo fiber (BF) was investigated as a strategy to produce phosphate-free meat emulsions. The samples were made with the addition of 0 and 0.25% of alkaline phosphate and 0, 2.5, and 5% BF. Immediately after filling, the samples were sonicated for 0 or 27 min at normal mode, 25 kHz, 60% amplitude, and 20 °C. The samples made with BF and without phosphate showed higher emulsion stability compared to the control made with phosphate. The addition of 2.5% BF effectively compensated for the texture changes due to the absence of phosphate. HPU improved the effect of BF on the texture of meat emulsions by increasing cohesiveness. No significant impact of HPU and BF was observed on the oxidative quality of the samples. However, the instrumental assays and the sensory evaluation demonstrated that the absence of phosphate increased the lipid oxidation of the samples from the beginning of storage.

Recent advances in the development of healthier meat products

Meat products are an excellent source of high biological value proteins, in addition to the high content of minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. However, meat products contain compounds that can cause a variety of adverse health effects and pose a serious health threat to humans. In this sense, this chapter will address recent strategies to assist in the development of healthier meat products. The main advances about the reduction of sodium and animal fat in meat products will be presented. In addition, strategies to make the lipid profile of meat products more nutritionally advantageous for human health will also be discussed. Finally, the reduction of substances of safety concern in meat products will be addressed, including phosphates, nitrites, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic aromatic amines, as well as products from lipid and protein oxidation.

Effect of Salt Content Reduction on Food Processing Technology

Higher salt intake is associated with the risk of cardiovascular and kidney diseases, hypertension and gastric cancer. Salt intake reduction represents an effective way to improve people’s health, either by the right choice of food or by a reduction of added salt. Salt substitutes are often used and also herb homogenates are treated by high pressure technology. Salt reduction significantly influences the shelf life, texture, pH, taste, and aroma of cheese. The composition of emulsifying salts or starter cultures must be modified to enact changes in microbial diversity, protease activity and the ripening process. The texture becomes softer and aroma atypical. In bakery products, a salt reduction of only 20–30% is acceptable. Water absorption, dough development, length and intensity of kneading and stability of dough are changed. Gluten development and its viscoelastic properties are affected. The salt reduction promotes yeast growth and CO₂ production. Specific volume and crust colour intensity decreased, and the crumb porosity changed. In meat products, salt provides flavour, texture, and shelf life, and water activity increases. In this case, myofibrillar proteins’ solubility, water binding activity and colour intensity changes were found. The composition of curing nitrite salt mixtures and starter cultures must be modified.

Reduced-sodium Vienna sausage: Selected quality characteristics, optimized salt mixture, and commercial scale-up production

Sodium reduction influences the quality of processed meat products that, in turn, affect consumer acceptance. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the texture, color, and sensory acceptability of reduced-sodium Vienna sausage. A three-component mixture design (0-65% NaCl; 35-100% KCl; 0-20% glycine [Gly]) was performed to obtain an optimal salt mixture based on 14 sausage formulations. Mixture response surface plots revealed the optimal reduced-sodium Vienna sausage containing 20.13-65.00% NaCl, 35.00-60.15% KCl, and 0.00-20.00% Gly (this salt mixture constituted 1.35% of the formulation). One optimal laboratory-scale sausage, formulated with 21.43% NaCl, 59.71% KCl, and 18.86% Gly, was further selected for commercial scale-up production (a 25-kg batch). Both laboratory-scale and scale-up products were comparably acceptable (5.9-6.6 vs. 5.9-6.7) for overall liking, flavor, saltiness, and texture, and contained 315.4-333.5 mg sodium/100 g, hence having >25% sodium reduction compared to the control (569.5 mg/100 g) according to US Food and Drugs Administration regulation. This study demonstrated the feasibility of a scale-up production of acceptable reduced-sodium Vienna sausage formulated with a salt mixture of NaCl/KCl/Gly. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Processed meat products are one of the major sources of daily dietary sodium in the form of sodium chloride. Recently, there is an increased demand by consumers for healthier meat products. Of particular interest is finding solutions for sodium reduction in meat products while maintaining sensory properties and consumer acceptance. This study demonstrated that a mixture of KCl and Gly could be used as partial NaCl substitution in the commercial scale-up of Vienna sausages without drastically compromising sensory acceptability.

Inulin, KCL, and Flavor Enhancers: An Efficient Combination to Produce Prebiotic and Low-Sodium Burgers

In this study, prebiotic and low-sodium burgers were produced. In the first experiment, burgers were elaborated with 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12% inulin. The addition of up to 9% inulin did not affect the sensory quality, increased yield and reduced shrinkage. Thus, in the second experiment, prebiotic burgers were produced with 9% inulin and a sodium reformulation was performed by replacing 60% NaCl with KCl and adding monosodium glutamate (MG) and/or liquid smoke (LS). The replacement of NaCl for KCl impaired the sensory quality of the burgers. The isolated or combined addition of MG and LS reduced the sensory defects caused by KCl. Thus, prebiotic and low-sodium burgers with high technological and sensory quality can be produced using 9% inulin, 1% NaCl, 1.5% KCl, 0.2% MG, and 0.1% LS.

Effect of NaCl Replacement by other Salts on the Quality of Bísaro Pork Sausages (PGI Chouriça de Vinhais)

Concerned about the trend to reduce salt consumption, the meat industry has been increasing the strategies to produce and commercialize products where the reduction or even the replacement of NaCl is an important goal. The aim of this study was to test the effect of partial NaCl replacement by KCl and Sub4Salt^® on the quality of pork sausages. Three different formulations (NaCl + KCl, NaCl + Sub4Salt^®, and KCl + Sub4Salt^®) were considered and compared to the control (2% NaCl). Physicochemical properties, chemical composition, and microbiological and sensory characteristics were evaluated. The replacement of NaCl did not affect pH, water activity (a_w) or its chemical composition after eight or 16 days ripening time, while a significant sodium reduction was achieved. The oxidation index expressed in TBARS was also not affected by the NaCl substitution and varied between 0.01 to 0.04 of malonaldehyde (MDA) per kg of sample. Similarly, the NaCl replacement did not change the microbiological quality of the sausages, and the production of healthier meat sausages had also no significant effect on their sensory characteristics. Therefore, according to the results obtained, it is viable and a good strategy for the meat industry to produce “reduced sodium content” sausages without affecting their traditional quality.

Technologies for the Production of Meat Products with a Low Sodium Chloride Content and Improved Quality Characteristics-A Review

In recent years, consumer concerns regarding high levels of sodium chloride (NaCl) intake have increased, given the associated risk of cardiovascular disease. This has led food industries to consider lowering the use of sodium in food products. However, it is well known that the addition of NaCl to meat products enhances their quality, including water-holding capacity, emulsification capacity, juiciness, and texture. Thus, it is difficult to completely remove salt from meat products; however, it is possible to reduce the salt content using salt substitutes, flavor enhancers, textural enhancers, or other processing technologies. Several recent studies have also suggested that processing technologies, including hot-boning, high pressure, radiation, and pulsed electric fields, can be used to manufacture meat products with reduced salt content. In conclusion, as the complete removal of NaCl from food products is not possible, combined technologies can be used to reduce the NaCl content of meat products, and the appropriate technology should be chosen and studied according to its effects on the quality of the specific meat product.

Effects of ultrasonic-assisted cooking on the volatile compounds, oxidative stability, and sensory quality of mortadella

Ultrasound is a form of green technology that has been applied efficiently to improve processes in the food industry. This study evaluated the application of ultrasound to reduce the cooking time of mortadella. The volatile compounds, oxidative stability, and sensory quality of mortadella were evaluated. Four cooking conditions were used, as follows: Control, corresponding to the cooking time traditionally used in the meat industry; TUS100 and TUS50: cooking with US (25 kHz) and 50% reduction of the cooking time of Control, using 100% (462 W) and 50% (301 W) amplitude, respectively; and TWUS: cooking without the application of US and 50% reduction of the cooking time of Control. TUS100 and TUS50 showed an increase of 10.8% and 29.4%, respectively, in the total amount of terpenes on the first day of storage in relation to the Control. The presence of nonane on the 60th day only in the US-treated samples (0.22 × 10⁶ vs 0.11 × 10⁶ for TUS100 and TUS50, respectively) indicated that the US treatment may have induced higher oxidation in mortadella. The oxidative stability index ranged from 274 to 369 days for TUS100 and the Control, respectively. The treatments TWUS and TUS50 showed a lower sensory quality at the end of storage. On the other hand, TUS100 presented sensory quality similar to the Control, demonstrating that ultrasonic-assisted cooking using a 100% amplitude is an alternative to reduce the cooking time without affecting the product quality.

Sensory Analysis and Consumer Research in New Meat Products Development

This review summarises the main sensory methods (traditional techniques and the most recent ones) together with consumer research as a key part in the development of new products, particularly meat products. Different types of sensory analyses (analytical and affective), from conventional methods (Quantitative Descriptive Analysis) to new rapid sensory techniques (Check All That Apply, Napping, Flash Profile, Temporal Dominance of Sensations, etc.) have been used as crucial techniques in new product development to assess the quality and marketable feasibility of the novel products. Moreover, an important part of these new developments is analysing consumer attitudes, behaviours, and emotions, in order to understand the complex consumer–product interaction. In addition to implicit and explicit methodologies to measure consumers’ emotions, the analysis of physiological responses can also provide information of the emotional state a food product can generate. Virtual reality is being used as an instrument to take sensory analysis out of traditional booths and configure conditions that are more realistic. This review will help to better understand these techniques and to facilitate the choice of the most appropriate at the time of its application at the different stages of the new product development, particularly on meat products.

Low-sodium dry-cured rabbit leg: A novel meat product with healthier properties

Dry-cured rabbit legs were produced with a 50% reduction or replacement of NaCl by KCl and with the addition of monosodium glutamate (MG). The effect of this reformulation on technological, nutritional, and sensory characteristics was evaluated. The sodium reformulation did not show a great impact on Aw, pH, weight loss, and volatile profile of the samples. The samples presented high protein (31.5 to 36.1%) and low fat contents (3.2 to 5.7%). In addition, all essential amino acids presented an amino acid score greater than 1.0. The reformulated samples showed a sodium reduction of 46.2% while the addition of KCl to the formulations provided a healthy Na/K ratio. Oleic acid was the major fatty acid (FA) (31.3% of total FA) and healthy lipid indexes were observed for all samples. Finally, the addition of MG was effective to compensate for the sensory defects caused by sodium reformulation.

Challenges to reduce or replace NaCl by chloride salts in meat products made from whole pieces - a review

NaCl is fundamental for the development of the physico-chemical, sensorial and microbiological stability in meat products made from whole pieces such as dry-cured lacón, loin, ham, bacon, jerked beef, and pastirma). The substitution of NaCl by other chloride salts (KCl, CaCl₂ and MgCl₂), in order to minimize changes in the processing steps and insertion of new ingredients, is a major challenge for the elaboration of salted meat products in the context of increasing awareness among consumer about sodium consumption and health. This review aims to discuss the potential use of binary, ternary and quaternary salting mixtures in the processing of salted meat products and their effects on microbiological evolution and safety, sensory properties, oxidative reactions on proteins and lipid, and proteolysis and lipolysis reactions. More specifically, the substitution of NaCl by other chloride salts can influence the growth of microorganisms, the formation of toxic compounds, progression of enzymatic and oxidative reactions, and the sensory attributes. Scientific evidences from a food technological point of view, support the use of KCl to partially replace NaCl while major advances/more sophisticated strategies are still necessary to effectively introduce CaCl₂ and MgCl₂ as NaCl replacers. Moreover, further studies regarding the shelf-life and economic problems of the alternatively salted products are still necessary.

Dynamic aspects of salt reduction in tomato sauce by use of flavor enhancers and a bitter blocker

Several government agencies have established guidelines for the food industry to reduce sugar, fat, and salt in processed foods. The objective of this study was to determine the dynamic sensory profile of tomato sauce formulated with flavor enhancers, a bitter blocker and 50% sodium content reduction. The perception of consumers and a trained panel was explored. Consumers performed temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) and temporal acceptance (TA) while the trained panel performed time-intensity analysis (TI). TA indicated that flavor enhancers improve initial acceptance of a sample but that its masking effect weakens 30 s after ingestion. TI showed that despite promoting salty equivalence, substitute salts were not able to completely suppress the bitter taste characteristic of potassium chloride and the addition of lysine as a bitter blocker was the least effective strategy. In TDS the bitter taste was not dominant in any of the samples. However, the presence of unusual flavors/tastes to the consumers like metallic and umami seems to have interfered negatively in the evaluation of the flavors. Flavor enhancers have been widely used to reformulate processed foods in order to reduce sodium content, preserving sensory acceptance. This study provides information on the dynamic behavior of different salt substitutes.

Utilizing Potassium Chloride and Calcium Ascorbate to Reducing Chinese Bacon Sodium Content

This study evaluated the combined effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) substitutes, including potassium chloride (KCl) and calcium ascorbate, on physicochemical and sensory properties of low-sodium Chinese bacon. When KCl replaced 40 % NaCl, it had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on the physicochemical properties but had a certain effect on the sensory score. Using 30 % KCl and with 10 % calcium ascorbate (T2 group) replacing 40 % NaCl had good color score (6.73) and the overall acceptability score (6.90) was the highest in the experimental group. The color score of T2 group was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of control group (6.33). However, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the overall acceptability score between the T2 group (6.90) and the control group (7.00). Therefore, a compound salt consisting of KCl and calcium ascorbate can be used in Chinese bacon, leading to sodium content about 40 % reduction.

Impact of sodium reduction strategies on volatile compounds, sensory properties and consumer perception in commercial wheat bread

The efficacy of two sodium reduction strategies in preserving sensory profile and consumer liking of yeasted wheat bread was tested, by combining sensory data, aroma compounds and consumer investigations. The use of (i) a reduced-sodium salt substitute, Pansalt® (NaCl 57%, other salts and minor ingredients) at 1.5%, and (ii) the heterogeneous NaCl distribution (average level of 1%) leading to enhanced saltiness by taste contrast, were compared with standard (1.5%) and reduced (1.0%) addition of NaCl. The heterogeneous NaCl distribution was effective in preserving saltiness. Salt substitution with Pansalt® was less effective but preserved the overall flavour. Higher amount of Maillard reaction volatile products, associated with more intense toasted odour of the crust, was found in breads with higher NaCl content. The consumer survey highlighted satisfactory results of Pansalt® use for 58% of the respondents (equal or higher liking and purchase intention). Heterogeneous salt distribution was effective for 31% of consumers.