Phosphate Reduction in Emulsified Meat Products: Impact of Phosphate Type and Dosage on Quality Characteristics

Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Salmon Frame Proteins Using a Sequential Batch Operational Strategy: An Improvement in Water-Holding Capacity

The meat industry uses phosphates to improve the water-holding capacity (WHC) of meat products, although excess phosphates can be harmful to human health. In this sense, protein hydrolysates offer an alternative with scientific evidence of improved WHCs. Salmon frames, a byproduct rich in protein, must be processed for recovery. Enzymatic technology allows these proteins to be extracted from muscle, and the sequential batch strategy significantly increases protein nitrogen extraction. This study focused on evaluating the WHC of protein hydrolysates from salmon frames obtained through double- and triple-sequential batches compared to conventional hydrolysis. Hydrolysis was carried out for 3 h at 55 °C with 13 mAU of subtilisin per gram of salmon frames. The WHC of each hydrolysate was measured as the cooking loss using concentrations that varied from 0 to 5% (w/w) in the meat matrix. Compared with those obtained through conventional hydrolysis, the hydrolysates obtained through the strategy of double- and triple-sequence batches demonstrated a 55% and 51% reduction in cooking loss, respectively, when they were applied from 1% by weight in the meat matrix. It is essential to highlight that all hydrolysates had a significantly lower cooking loss (p ≤ 0.05) than that of the positive control (sodium tripolyphosphate [STPP]) at its maximum allowable limit when applied at a concentration of 5% in the meat matrix. These results suggest that the sequential batch strategy represents a promising alternative for further improving the WHC of hydrolysates compared to conventional hydrolysis. It may serve as a viable substitute for polyphosphates.

Preparation of Bovine Hides Gelatin by Ultra-High Pressure Technique and the Effect of Its Replacement Fat on the Quality and In Vitro Digestion of Beef Patties

Beef skin gelatin can be used as a good substitute for animal fat in meat patties. In this paper, the effect of different parameters on low-fat beef patties with cowhide gelatin substituted for beef fat (0, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) prepared by ultra-high pressure assisted technology was investigated by texture, cooking loss, and sensory scores. The beef patties were also stored at 0-4 °C for 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 d. The differences and changing rules of fatty acid and amino acid compositions and contents of beef patties with different fat contents were investigated by simulating gastrointestinal digestion in vitro. The optimal process formulation of low-fat beef patties with cowhide gelatin was determined by experimental optimization as follows: ultra-high pressure 360 MPa, ultra-high of pressure time of 21 min, NaCl addition of 1.5%, compound phosphate addition of 0.3%. The addition of cowhide gelatin significantly increased monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acid content, and protein digestibility of beef patties (p < 0.05). Moreover, with the extension of storage time, the content of saturated fatty acids was significantly higher (p < 0.05), the content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids was significantly lower (p < 0.05), the content of amino acids was significantly lower (p < 0.05), and protein digestibility was significantly lower (p < 0.05) under all substitution ratios. Overall, beef patties with 75% and 100% substitution ratios had better digestibility characteristics. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for gelatin's potential as a fat substitute for beef patties and for improving the quality of low-fat meat products.

Effect of Adding Bovine Skin Gelatin Hydrolysates on Antioxidant Properties, Texture, and Color in Chicken Meat Processing

(1) Background: Phosphates are used in the food industry to improve water retention and product quality. However, when consumed in excess, they can be harmful to health. Instead, bovine skin gelatin hydrolysates present health benefits such as being a rejuvenating agent, stimulating collagen production, and improving food quality, in addition to being a source of protein. The effect of the addition of bovine skin gelatin hydrolysates on the texture and color of thermally processed chicken meat (boiled type) and antioxidant activity was evaluated. (2) Methods: Hydrolysates were prepared with subtilisin with the degree of hydrolysis being 6.57 and 13.14%, which were obtained from our previous study. (3) Results: The hydrolysates improved the firmness of the meat matrix compared to the control. Additionally, the hydrolysate with a 13.14% degree of hydrolysis reached the same firmness (p > 0.05) as the commercial ingredient sodium tripolyphosphate at its maximum limit allowed in the food industry when it was applied at 5% (w/w meat) in the meat matrix, improving firmness over the control by 63%. Furthermore, both hydrolysates reached a similar color difference to sodium tripolyphosphate at its maximum allowed limit when applied at a concentration of 2% (w/w meat). Additionally, it was found that these hydrolysates obtained the same antioxidant activity as sodium tripolyphosphate, capturing free radicals at 10%. (4) Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that bovine skin gelatin hydrolysates can be applied as an ingredient with functional properties, being an alternative to phosphates to improve the quality of meat products.

Phosphate alternatives for meat processing and challenges for the industry: A critical review

Meat and meat products provide high levels of nutrition and many health benefits to consumers, yet a controversy exists regarding the use of non-meat additives, such as the inorganic phosphates that are commonly used in meat processing, and particularly their relationship to cardiovascular health and kidney complications. Inorganic phosphates are salts of phosphoric acid (e.g., sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, or calcium phosphate), whereas organic phosphates are ester compounds (e.g., the phospholipids found in cell membranes). In this sense, the meat industry remains active in its efforts to improve formulations for processed meat products with the use of natural ingredients. Despite efforts to improve formulations, many processed meat products still contain inorganic phosphates, which are used for their technological contributions to meat chemistry including improvements in water-holding capacity and protein solubilization. This review provides a thorough evaluation of phosphate substitutes in meat formulations and other processing technologies that can help eliminate phosphates from the formulations of processed meat products. In general, several ingredients have been evaluated as replacements for inorganic phosphates with varying degrees of success such as plant-based ingredients (e.g., starches, fibers, or seeds), fungi ingredients (e.g., mushrooms and mushroom extracts), algae ingredients, animal-based ingredients (e.g., meat/seafood, dairy, or egg materials), and inorganic compounds (i.e., minerals). Although these ingredients have shown some favorable effects in certain meat products, none have exactly matched the many functions of inorganic phosphates, so the support of extrinsic technologies, such as tumbling, ultrasound, high-pressure processing (HPP), and pulsed electric field (PEF), may be necessary to achieve similar physiochemical properties as conventional products. The meat industry should continue to investigate ways to scientifically innovate the formulations of, and the technologies used in, processed meat products while also listening to (and acting upon) the feedback from consumers.

Strategies to Reduce Purge Losses in Meat Products Stuffed in Plastic Casings

Two different meat emulsions were prepared with different physical stability: R1 with 6.28 ± 1.13% total expressible fluid and R2 with 17.7 ± 1.48%. The emulsions were placed in plastic casings at three different surface tensions (ST), expressed as contact angle, and three distinct overstuffing percentages (OS). The stuffed samples were cooked in an industrial oven. After cooling, purge losses (PL) and texture profile analysis (TPA) were measured. The reduced surface tension of the plastic casings significantly decreased the PL of both recipes. In the case of R2, a combination of high OS and low ST was necessary to reduce PL in a 60%. In the case of TPA, OS had a statistical influence on parameters like chewiness, cohesiveness, and hardness. Plastic casings with different surface tension (to increase adherence of meat emulsion to the casing) stuffed at different levels of overstuffing percentages (to reduce free space between meat emulsion and casing) represent a potential tool to reduce PL of products based on low stability meat emulsions.

Characteristics of pork emulsion gel manufactured with hot-boned pork and winter mushroom powder without phosphate

This study investigated the physicochemical characteristics of pork emulsion gels manufactured from hot-boned (HB) pork and winter mushroom powder in the absence of phosphate. It was found that compared to cold-boned (CB) pork, HB pork had a higher pH and exhibited a higher myofibrillar protein solubility with a lower actomyosin content (P < 0.05). Four types of pork gels were prepared, namely CB pork without phosphate, CB pork with phosphate (CBP), HB pork without phosphate, and HB pork with winter mushroom powder but without phosphate (HBW). The total exuded fluid was comparable for the CBP and HBW gels on all storage days. In addition, the HB and HBW gels had similar springiness and cohesiveness properties to the CBP gel (P > 0.05). These results indicate that the quality of pork gels manufactured in the absence of phosphate can be improved by the use of HB pork and with the incorporation of winter mushroom powder.

Quality Enhancement of Frozen Chicken Meat Marinated with Phosphate Alternatives

The effects of phosphate alternatives on meat quality in marinated chicken were investigated with the application of chilling and freezing. Breast muscles were injected with solution of the green weight containing 1.5% NaCl and 2% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) or phosphate alternatives. Treatment variables consisted of no phosphate [control (-)], 0.3% sodium tripolyphosphate [control (+)], 0.3% prune juice (PJ), 0.3% oyster shell, 0.3% nano-oyster shell, and 0.3% yeast and lemon extract (YLE) powder. One-third of the meat samples were stored at 4°C for 1 d, and the rest of the meats were kept at -18°C for 7 d. In chilled meat, a lower drip loss was noted for control (+) and YLE, whereas higher cooking yield in YLE compared to all tested groups. Compared with control (+), the other treatments except PJ showed higher pH, water holding capacity, moisture content, lower thawing and cooking loss, and shear force. Natural phosphate alternatives except for PJ, improved the CIE L* compared to control (-), and upregulated total protein solubility. However, phosphate alternatives showed similar or higher oxidative stability and impedance measurement compared to control (+), and an extensive effect on myofibrillar fragmentation index. A limited effect was observed for C*, h°, and free amino acids in treated meat. Eventually, the texture profile attributes in cooked of phosphate alternatives improved except for PJ. The results indicate the high potential use of natural additives could be promising and effective methods for replacing synthetic phosphate in chilled and frozen chicken with quality enhancement.

Additive Effects of L-Arginine with Potassium Carbonate on the Quality Profile Promotion of Phosphate-Free Frankfurters

The present study investigated the additive effects of L-Arginine (L-Arg) with potassium carbonate (PC) on the quality characteristics of phosphate-free frankfurters. The results showed that L-Arg combined with PC could act as a viable phosphate replacer by decreasing cooking loss and improving the textural properties of phosphate-free frankfurters (p < 0.05), mainly because of its pH-raising ability. Moreover, L-Arg could assist PC in effectively retarding lipid oxidation in phosphate-free frankfurters during storage (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 0.1% L-Arg combined with 0.15% PC was found to exhibit the best optimal phosphate-replacing effect. This combination could also overcome quality defects and promote the sensory attributes of phosphate-free frankfurters to the maximum extent. Therefore, our results suggest that L-Arg combined with PC can be considered a feasible alternative for the processing of phosphate-free frankfurters with an improved quality profile and superior health benefits.

Effect of Grafted Insect Protein with Palatinose on Quality Properties of Phosphate-Free Meat Emulsion

Due to concerns about the negative effects of phosphate on human health, the development of phosphate substitutes is an active area of research. Among the various methods, the structural modification of proteins has previously been established. In this study, we used grafting technology. Extracted insect protein was grafted with palatinose (GI), and 0.1 and 0.15% of GI were added to a phosphate-free meat emulsion mixed with 0.1% of eggshell powder (ES). The pH, myofibrillar protein solubility, and apparent viscosity increased with the addition of GI and ES (p < 0.05). Color values were also affected by GI and ES addition (decreased CIE L* and CIE a* and increased CIE b*; p < 0.05), while cooking loss was only improved by the addition of ES and not GI. Although the total fluid separated more than negative control (p < 0.05), the addition of ES improved emulsion stability and total expressible fluid separation and the fat separation reduced with addition of GI and ES (p < 0.05). Lipid oxidation was inhibited by the addition of GI and ES (p < 0.05). Moreover, the protein molecular weight distribution under 20 kDa was modified by the addition of GI, and the hardness and springiness of treatments decreased. In conclusion, the addition of GI and ES might be used to improve cooking loss, emulsion stability, and antioxidants, while the textural properties should be further researched.

A Comparative Study on the Effect of Ultrasound-Treated Apple Pomace and Coffee Silverskin Powders as Phosphate Replacers in Irish Breakfast Sausage Formulations

Ultrasound (US) technology can be used to improve the techno-functional properties of food ingredients, such as apple pomace (AP) and coffee silverskin (CSS), which can be used in meat products to enhance their quality. This study evaluated the changes produced by US-treated AP and CSS, when used as phosphate replacers, in the physicochemical properties of Irish breakfast sausages, i.e., their water holding capacity (WHC), cook loss, emulsion stability, proximate content, lipid oxidation, color, and textural parameters. Three sausage formulations with reduced phosphate concentrations were used to study the effect of US-treated AP and CSS, and an interactive relationship between US treatment and formulations using two-way ANOVA. The results showed that the addition of US-treated AP and CSS to all the formulations produced a significant interactive effect that increased the WHC (p < 0.05) and emulsion stability (p < 0.05), decreased cook loss (p < 0.05), and increased day 9 TBARS (p < 0.05) values of specific formulations. No significant changes were observed for the parameters of; color, texture, or proximate content values. Thus, this study demonstrated that the addition of US-treated AP and CSS improved the quality of phosphate-reduced sausages.

Descriptive sensory analysis, consumer acceptability, and conjoint analysis of beef sausages prepared from a pigeon pea protein binder

The objective of this study was to assess the sensory profile, consumer acceptance, and internal and extrinsic factors influencing the acceptability of beef sausages made at varying levels of pigeon pea protein (2, 4, and 6% w/w) as a binder. Sausages prepared without binders (CNB) and sausages made with a chemical phosphate binder served as controls (PoB). A panel of 12 trained panelists performed descriptive analysis using the quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) approach on a 9-point line scale, while 70 consumers participated in a consumer test utilizing a 9-point hedonic scale. Preference mapping was done by linking descriptive sensory and hedonic data using partial least squares regression analysis (PLSR) and the conjoint analysis was conducted by 90 panelists using a 9-point scale. The 6% pea protein sausages had the significantly lowest (p < 0.05) mean hardness, aroma, and color intensity but statistically similar (p > 0.05) highest moistness intensity to the phosphate sausages. Phosphate sausages had the highest mean color and saltiness intensity (p < 0.05) compared to the lowest mean values in 6% pea protein sausages. The phosphate sausages were the most accepted by consumers (p < 0.05), followed by the 6% pea protein sausages, with aroma, saltiness, moistness, and firmness being the key drivers in consumer acceptability of sausages. Furthermore, formulation and price had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on consumer acceptability. In conclusion, employing pea protein as a binder in sausage formulations improves sensory profiles and increases consumer acceptance, making it a possible food industry alternative. Further studies to determine the optimal amount of pea protein binder that will perform better than phosphate binder are recommended.

Consumer intention towards the phosphate-reduced processed meat products using the extended theory of planned behaviour

Phosphates are essential for maintaining various quality attributes of processed meat products such as water-binding properties, texture and sensory properties and their removal would drastically change the products' technical and sensory qualities. Currently, meat industries are faced with the challenge of removing phosphates to address the consumers' demand to remove the negatively perceived synthetic additives from processed meat products. This study measured these consumers' purchase intention of phosphate-reduced processed meat products with different quality, using the extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB). An online survey was conducted among the consumers (n = 548) of the Republic of Ireland (ROI) to predict their knowledge and attitude towards phosphate additives. Analysis of the survey responses showed that about two-third of the participants consumed processed meat products 5-6 times per week. The results of multiple linear regression showed that the theory constructs attitude, subjective norms, perceived health risks significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the consumer behavioural intention whereas the perceived behavioural control (PBC) produced insignificant impacts. The results also revealed that the extended TPB model predicted the consumers' intention with better explanatory power (adjusted R² = 0.46) than the original TPB model. In conclusion, various recommendations and implications were developed based on the results to improve the consumers' purchase intention of these products.

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.

Micronized cold-pressed hemp seed cake could potentially replace 50% of the phosphates in frankfurters

Present study aimed to investigate the concentration effect of micronized cold-pressed hemp seed cake (MCPHSC) on the quality profiles and sensorial attributes of 50% phosphates reduced frankfurters. The results showed that MCPHSC could be used as an ideal phosphates replacer for obviously decreasing the cooking loss and promoting textural and gel properties of reduced-phosphates frankfurters (P < 0.05), which was verified by scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the incorporation of MCPHSC could significantly inhibit the occurrence of lipid oxidation of reduced-phosphates frankfurters during storage in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Additionally, replacing 50% phosphates with 2% (w/w) MCPHSC was found to possess the best optimal replacement effect to enhance the quality profiles of reduced-phosphates frankfurters (P < 0.05). However, a higher amount of MCPHSC had a negative effect on the sensorial evaluations of the reduced-phosphates frankfurters. Our results suggested that the addition of MCPHSC could be applied as a practical way for improving the quality defects of reduced-phosphates frankfurters.

Isolation, purification, and characterization of a novel exopolysaccharide isolated from marine bacteria Brevibacillus borstelensis M42

Marine microbes produce polysaccharides with unique physicochemical and functional properties that help them survive in harsh marine environments. However, only a handful of marine exopolysaccharides (EPSs) have been reported to date. The present study explored the seashore of Visakhapatnam, India, to report a novel exopolysaccharide designated as Br42 produced by Brevibacillus borstelensis M42. The isolate was identified through morphological, biochemical, phylogenetic, and genome sequencing analysis. The studies on fermentation kinetics revealed that EPS Br42 was a primary metabolite with a maximum production of 1.88 ± 0.02 g/L after 60 h when production broth was fortified with 2% glucose. Additionally, EPS Br42 was found to be a heteropolysaccharide consisting of glucose and galacturonic acid with a molecular weight of about 286 kDa. Interestingly, this molecule possesses industrially relevant functional properties such as water-holding (510 ± 0.35%), oil-holding (374 ± 0.12% for coconut oil and 384 ± 0.35% for olive oil), and swelling capacities (146.6 ± 5.75%). EPS Br42 could form an emulsion that was stable at a wide pH range for about 72 h and, in fact, performed better as compared to Span 20, a commercially used synthetic emulsifier. Moreover, this EPS was also found to be heat stable and exhibited non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior. These physicochemical and functional properties of polysaccharides suggest that the EPS Br42 has potential for multifarious industrial applications as an emulsifier, stabilizer, viscosifier, and binding agent.

Reduction of phosphate content in frankfurters by up to 50% using micronized cold-pressed sesame seed cake

Our study assessed the effects of micronized cold-pressed sesame seed cake (MCPSSC) incorporation as a potential phosphate replacement on the textural and gel properties of 50% reduced-phosphate frankfurters. Our results indicated that moderate MCPSSC addition (4%) resulted in the strongest inhibition of textural quality deficits in reduced-phosphates frankfurters, which was confirmed via scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, although some differences were perceived in the sensorial parameters and flavour profile of reduced-phosphate frankfurters prepared with MCPSSC, all of them were deemed acceptable. Therefore, incorporating moderate amounts of MCPSSC is a feasible strategy to reduce the phosphate contents of frankfurters and promote "clean label" practices.

Physicochemical and Sensory Attributes of Intact and Restructured Chicken Breast Meat Supplemented with Transglutaminase

Simple Summary

Transglutaminases are enzymes used for joining cuts or fragments of meat together to make larger pieces that are easier to handle or a product that is more attractive to consumers. They react differently with various meats and at different inclusion levels, so this study investigated quality traits of intact chicken meat and restructured chicken meat supplemented with different proportions of transglutaminase. The results showed that enzyme-supplemented restructured meat had lower cooking loss and greater tenderness compared to intact meat. Sensory attributes were not affected by the supplemented enzyme, and there was no difference in these attributes compared to intact meat. Therefore, supplementation with transglutaminase could be undoubtedly considered as a valuable contributing agent in improving yield and texture of minced meat, and reducing other additives usually used in chicken meat processing.

Abstract

Transglutaminases (TG) are enzymes that improve the functional properties of proteins in meat products, contribute to the strong cohesion of meat without the further need for the addition of sodium chloride or phosphates, and have a positive effect on the texture of the meat product. This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical and sensory attributes of intact and restructured chicken meat supplemented with different TG proportions. The study was conducted on chicken breast meat samples (n = 40) originating from the line Ross 308. The intact samples were separated from the pectoralis major muscle, whereas the rest of the breast meat was ground, divided into equal parts, and supplemented with TG (0.2%; 0.4%; 0.6%; 0.8%; 1%). The intact meat had the highest cooking loss (19.84) when compared to 0.2% (15.51), 0.4% (15.04), 0.6% (14.95), 0.8% (14.95), and 1% (15.79) TG-supplemented meat. The intact meat had greater shear force (16.90) than 0.2% (5.16), 0.4% (5.39), 0.6% (5.16), 0.8% (5.98), and 1% (6.92) TG supplemented meat. There was no difference between intact meat and TG-supplemented meat in color, taste, odor, texture, and overall acceptability (p > 0.05). Therefore, TG supplementation can be used in improving yield and texture of minced chicken meat.

Comparison of the Technological Application Potential of Functional Ingredients for the Meat Industry Based upon a Novel Fast Screening Tool

The application potential of functional ingredients for the meat industry is often assessed through different measuring tools, thereby making comparisons difficult. The aim of this study was to create valuable information about the performance of functional ingredients based upon standardized and comparable data gathered through a newly developed screening tool. Therefore, 25 ingredients, selected from different techno-functional classes, were characterized at 2 different dosages by means of the screening methodology. The tool itself consisted of a lean meat model and fatty liver-based system, representative of the finely minced and/or emulsified charcuterie market. A total of 23 different parameters were measured through both model systems, providing information concerning water and fat binding capacity, emulsification, and texture and structure formation. Through cluster analysis, the ingredients were assigned to groups, each with their own specific properties. The screening tool provided good descriptive and distinctive power concerning ingredient functionalities and offers the industry a clear overview of their application characteristics.

Phosphate Elimination in Emulsified Meat Products: Impact of Protein-Based Ingredients on Quality Characteristics

The addition of phosphates to meat products improves the emulsifying and gelling properties of meat proteins, in turn enhancing overall product quality. The current market trend towards additive-free products and the health issues related to phosphate challenge the industry to develop phosphate-free meat products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of seven protein-based ingredients (pea, blood plasma, gelatin, soy, whey, egg, and potato) to remediate quality losses of emulsified meat products (cooked sausages) upon phosphate elimination. First, the intrinsic gelling and emulsifying characteristics of the proteins were assessed. Next, the proteins were added to phosphate-free sausages, of which quality characteristics during production (viscoelastic behavior and emulsion stability) and of the final products (texture, cooking loss, and pH) were screened. Blood plasma and soy were superior in phosphate-free cooked sausages, as no significant differences in hardness, cooking yield, or stability were found compared to phosphate-containing sausages. Egg and pea also improved the previously mentioned quality characteristics of phosphate-free sausages, although to a lesser extent. These insights could not entirely be explained based on the intrinsic gelling and emulsifying capacity of the respective proteins. This indicated the importance of a well-defined standardized meat matrix to determine the potential of alternative proteins in meat products.

Functionality of Ingredients and Additives in Plant-Based Meat Analogues

Meat analogue research and development focuses on the production of sustainable products that recreate conventional meat in its physical sensations (texture, appearance, taste, etc.) and nutritional aspects. Minced products, like burger patties and nuggets, muscle-type products, like chicken or steak-like cuts, and emulsion products, like Frankfurter and Mortadella type sausages, are the major categories of meat analogues. In this review, we discuss key ingredients for the production of these novel products, with special focus on protein sources, and underline the importance of ingredient functionality. Our observation is that structuring processes are optimized based on ingredients that were not originally designed for meat analogues applications. Therefore, mixing and blending different plant materials to obtain superior functionality is for now the common practice. We observed though that an alternative approach towards the use of ingredients such as flours, is gaining more interest. The emphasis, in this case, is on functionality towards use in meat analogues, rather than classical functionality such as purity and solubility. Another trend is the exploration of novel protein sources such as seaweed, algae and proteins produced via fermentation (cellular agriculture).

Application of temperature-controlled ultrasound treatment and its potential to reduce phosphate content in frankfurter-type sausages by 50

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound treatments with different durations (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 min) at a low static temperature (12 °C) controlled by an intelligent temperature control and monitoring system on the quality of 50% reduced-phosphate frankfurters. The results show that without ultrasound treatment, phosphate reduction caused some obvious deficits in the textural properties, sensorial parameters, and oxidative stability of frankfurters. Moreover, 25-min ultrasound treatment could significantly lower the cooking loss and enhance emulsion stability, textural properties, and sensorial parameters of reduced phosphate frankfurters, which was also verified by dynamic water distribution analysis and microstructural observation. Additionally, low constant temperature during ultrasound treatment was another crucial factor in retarding lipid oxidation during storage. Therefore, ultrasound treatment with moderate duration and stable low temperature could be considered a successful approach to obtain healthier reduced-phosphate frankfurters under the "clean label" concept.

Insights into the similarities and differences of whiteleg shrimp pre-soaked with sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium trimetaphosphate during frozen storage

In this study, similarities and differences of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) pre-soaking on the stability of muscle proteins in shrimp were investigated during 12 weeks of frozen storage (-30 °C). The physicochemical analysis indicated significant improvements in the WHC, springiness, chewiness, and thermal stability of STPP and STMP pre-soaked samples when compared to the control. Interestingly, STMP pre-soaking showed better cryoprotective effects than the STPP treatment when the storage period reached the end of the 12 weeks. Furthermore, the label-free based proteomics results indicated that 62 upregulated differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were detected in STMP when compared to STPP. These identified DAPs specifically included 40S ribosomal proteins, actin-related proteins, heat shock proteins, myosin heavy chain, and tubulin beta chain. Additionally, the gene ontology (GO) and eukaryotic clusters of orthologous group (KOG) analyses verified that the incorporation of STMP molecules enhanced the resistance of cytoskeleton proteins to cold-temperature stress.

Reduction of sodium additives in cooked sausages: effect on physicochemical, sensory and microbiological characteristics

Several efforts have been made to reduce sodium in meat products due to its demonstrated negative health effects. This study evaluated the effect on physicochemical, sensory and microbiological characteristics of cooked sausages after a simultaneous reduction of salt (2.2% and 1.8%), Na-lactate (2.8% and 1.5%) and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) (0.4% and 0.2%). Salt and STPP reduction affected cooking loss, while no significant differences (P > 0.05) were obtained in instrumental and sensory texture for all factors. Discrimination tests showed significant perceived differences between some pairs, however, d' values were below 0.55 in all comparisons, meaning consumer awareness of the reduction might be irrelevant in a real-life scenario. A simultaneous reduction of Na-lactate and salt did not affect microbial stability (psychrotrophic and LAB counts) of the product. Reducing sodium-containing additives might be a low cost, promising strategy to reduce total sodium content in cooked sausages with no detrimental of their physicochemical, sensory and microbiological characteristics.

Bovine skin gelatin hydrolysates as potential substitutes for polyphosphates: The role of degree of hydrolysis and pH on water-holding capacity

The effects of adding bovine skin gelatin hydrolysate obtained with subtilisin, on water-holding capacity (WHC), in a thermally processed chicken meat model, were investigated. Hydrolysates with different degrees of hydrolysis (DH) (6.57%, 13.14%, and 26.28%) were prepared. The results showed that all the tested hydrolysates improved water retention in the meat matrix. The hydrolysate with 26.28% DH showed similar behavior throughout the full range of concentrations [0% to 5% w/w] compared to that of the positive control (sodium tripolyphosphate [STPP]). In addition, the other hydrolysates [6.57% DH and 13.14% DH at 3% and 2.5% w/w concentrations, respectively] showed behaviors that coincided with that of STPP at its maximum limit allowed. A correlation was observed between the WHC and the pH of the meat samples treated with each hydrolysate or STPP. In addition, it was found that the WHC of the hydrolysates was due to increases in pH and the specific effects of the hydrolysate beyond the typical effects of pH and ionic strength in meat systems. The solubility of all hydrolysates was high (>90%). In conclusion, bovine skin gelatin hydrolysates could serve as an alternative to polyphosphates to improve water retention and the functional properties of thermally processed meat products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study investigated the effects of adding bovine skin gelatin hydrolysate obtained with subtilisin on water-holding capacity (WHC) in a thermally processed chicken meat model. It was found that the hydrolysis of bovine skin gelatin with subtilisin can replace chemical products harmful to health, such as STPP, in terms of water-holding capacity. Therefore, bovine skin gelatin hydrolysate can be used as an ingredient in the formulation of thermally processed meat products.

Sensorial and Nutritional Aspects of Cultured Meat in Comparison to Traditional Meat: Much to Be Inferred

Cultured meat aspires to be biologically equivalent to traditional meat. If cultured meat is to be consumed, sensorial (texture, color, flavor) and nutritional characteristics are of utmost importance. This paper compares cultured meat to traditional meat from a tissue engineering and meat technological point of view, focusing on several molecular, technological and sensorial attributes. We outline the challenges and future steps to be taken for cultured meat to mimic traditional meat as closely as possible.

Effects of Calcium Powder Mixtures and Binding Ingredients as Substitutes for Synthetic Phosphate on the Quality Properties of Ground Pork Products

This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of using natural calcium mixtures and various binding ingredients as replacers for synthetic phosphate in ground pork products. We performed seven treatments: control (0.3% phosphate blend), treatment 1 (0.5% natural calcium mixtures [NCM, which comprised 0.2% oyster shell calcium and 0.3% egg shell calcium powder] and 0.25% egg white powder), treatment 2 (0.5% NCM and 0.25% whey protein concentrate), treatment 3 (0.5% NCM and 0.25% concentrated soybean protein), treatment 4 (0.5% NCM and 0.25% isolated soybean protein), treatment 5 (0.5% NCM and 0.25% carrageenan), and treatment 6 (0.5% NCM and 0.25% collagen powder). All the treatment mixtures had higher pH and lower cooking loss than the control, which was treated with phosphate. We found that NCM and binding ingredients had no negative effects on the moisture content, lightness, and yellowness of the cooked ground pork products. Treatments 3 and 4 showed significantly lower CIE a* values than the control. Treatments 2 and 6 improved the textural properties of the products. In conclusion, the combination of NCM with whey protein concentrate or collagen powder could be suitable for producing phosphate-free meat products.