Surimi-like protein ingredient from porcine spleen as lean meat replacer in emulsion-type sausages

The aim of this work was to assess the influence of a porcine spleen surimi-like protein ingredient as pork meat replacer in emulsified cooked meat products (frankfurter-type sausages). The effects of the addition of porcine spleen protein isolate (SPI) in substitution of lean meat at concentrations of 5%, 10% and 15% on the physicochemical characteristics, microstructure, textural, and sensorial properties of the sausages were investigated. The addition of SPI did not affect the emulsion stability of raw meat batters nor the proximate composition of the cooked sausages, provided that sausages are formulated considering the differences in protein and fat content between pork meat and spleen protein fraction. Results showed that SPI was successfully applied as a meat replacer up to 15% of substitution level without producing significant modification on the physicochemical and techno-functional properties (water holding capacity and instrumental texture) of sausages. Meat replacement with SPI resulted in the formation of a stable and homogeneous protein gel network. Moreover, there were no negative effects on the sensory attributes in the cooked sausages containing 15% SPI as compared to the control ones. Therefore, the results of this study confirm that SPI up to 15% can be successfully used as a lean meat substitute in meat products.