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Currently, high-salt diets have become one of the world's biggest dietary crisis and long-term high-salt diets are seriously detrimental to human health. In response to this situation, the present study proposed a saltiness enhancement strategy using alginate, which is a dietary fibre from brown algae and has many health benefits, such as regulating intestinal microbiota, anti-hypertension and anti-obesity. The comparison of alginates with different viscosities showed that alginate of 1000–1500 cps at a concentration of 1.25 g/L could enhance the saltiness of NaCl solution by 11.5%. Then, a solid salt was prepared through spray drying with 4.83% of this alginate, and its structure was characterised by X-Ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy to confirm its hollow structure with a particle size of 6.25 ± 2.26 μm as well as its crystal structure similar to original NaCl. Moreover, the conductivity monition revealed that the hollow salt exhibited a more rapid dissolution in water and its alginate component increased the adhesive retention of sodium ions on the tongue surface, which both effectively enhanced the sensory perception. Finally, as revealed by the sensory evaluation, the prepared hollow salt showed higher saltiness than that of original table salt and it could reduce sodium intake by 29%. Thus, the hollow salt prepared with alginate in the present study has potential for salt reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lower salt intake is an effective management strategy for hypertension and ultimately stroke. However, this strategy compromises the taste of food. To overcome this, a taste manipulation strategey using electronic taste simulation (ETS) has been established, but this has only been studied in healthy individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate and quantitatively evaluate the taste enhancement effect of ETS in patients admitted to a hospital due to stroke. Twenty patients (mean = 67.8 ± 13.6 years) underwent two psychophysical experiments to assess the effects of ETS on salt taste perception using salt-impregnated filter paper. The patients' stroke types included twelve ischemic and eight hemorrhagic strokes. The median salt taste thresholds without ETS and with ETS were 0.7% and 0.6%, respectively (p = 0.083). The perceived concentration for the 0.8% concentration increased from 0.8% to 1.0% with the ETS (p = 0.041), and for the 1.0% concentration, from 1.0% to 1.2% (p < 0.001). The findings suggest that ETS significantly enhances salty taste perception in patients who have experienced a stroke without altering salt concentration, potentially aiding in reducing daily salt intake. Further research is necessary to explore its broad applicability in dietary management and blood pressure control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive salt intake, primarily from sodium chloride prevalent in modern food processing, poses a significant public health risk associated with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Researchers worldwide are exploring approaches to reduce salt consumption without compromising food flavor. One promising method is to enhance salty taste perception using multisensory synergies, leveraging gustatory, olfactory, auditory, visual, tactile and trigeminal senses to decrease salt intake while preserving food taste. This review provides a comprehensive overview of salt usage in foods, mechanisms of salty taste perception and evaluation methods for saltiness. Various strategies for reducing salt consumption while maintaining food flavor are examined, with existing salt reduction methods' advantages and limitations being critically analyzed. A particular emphasis is placed on exploring the mechanisms and potential of multisensory synergy in salt reduction. Taste interactions, olfactory cues, auditory stimulation, visual appearance and tactile sensations in enhancing saltiness perception are discussed, offering insights into developing nutritious, appealing low-sodium foods. Furthermore, challenges in current research are highlighted, and future directions for effective salt reduction strategies to promote public health are proposed. This review aims to establish a scientific foundation for creating healthier, flavorful low-sodium food options that meet consumer preferences and wellness needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lower salt intake is an effective management strategy for hypertension and ultimately stroke. However, this strategy compromises the taste of food. To overcome this, a taste manipulation strategey using electronic taste simulation (ETS) has been established, but this has only been studied in healthy individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate and quantitatively evaluate the taste enhancement effect of ETS in patients admitted to a hospital due to stroke. Twenty patients (mean = 67.8 ± 13.6 years) underwent two psychophysical experiments to assess the effects of ETS on salt taste perception using salt-impregnated filter paper. The patients’ stroke types included twelve ischemic and eight hemorrhagic strokes. The median salt taste thresholds without ETS and with ETS were 0.7% and 0.6%, respectively (p = 0.083). The perceived concentration for the 0.8% concentration increased from 0.8% to 1.0% with the ETS (p = 0.041), and for the 1.0% concentration, from 1.0% to 1.2% (p < 0.001). The findings suggest that ETS significantly enhances salty taste perception in patients who have experienced a stroke without altering salt concentration, potentially aiding in reducing daily salt intake. Further research is necessary to explore its broad applicability in dietary management and blood pressure control.

Currently, high-salt diets have become one of the world’s biggest dietary crisis and long-term high-salt diets are seriously detrimental to human health. In response to this situation, the present study proposed a saltiness enhancement strategy using alginate, which is a dietary fibre from brown algae and has many health benefits, such as regulating intestinal microbiota, anti-hypertension and anti-obesity. The comparison of alginates with different viscosities showed that alginate of 1000–1500 cps at a concentration of 1.25 g/L could enhance the saltiness of NaCl solution by 11.5%. Then, a solid salt was prepared through spray drying with 4.83% of this alginate, and its structure was characterised by X-Ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy to confirm its hollow structure with a particle size of 6.25 ± 2.26 μm as well as its crystal structure similar to original NaCl. Moreover, the conductivity monition revealed that the hollow salt exhibited a more rapid dissolution in water and its alginate component increased the adhesive retention of sodium ions on the tongue surface, which both effectively enhanced the sensory perception. Finally, as revealed by the sensory evaluation, the prepared hollow salt showed higher saltiness than that of original table salt and it could reduce sodium intake by 29%. Thus, the hollow salt prepared with alginate in the present study has potential for salt reduction.

Seaweed is a naturally rich source of nutrients and exhibits techno-functional properties that are under study for their potential as ingredients in meat products. However, seaweed is associated with a particular flavor profile, and optimization of the sensory profile should be conducted alongside technical performance. This study investigated the feasibility of the application of sea spaghetti (Himanthalia elongata) in the production of low-salt beef patties and recorded the associated sensory profile and consumer hedonic-emotional response. Eight beef patty formulations with varying salt (0–1%) and seaweed (0–5%) contents were subjected to quantitative descriptive analysis via a trained sensory panel (n = 8) and six the formulations were selected for consumer testing (liking, emotional associations, saltiness perception, and purchase intent) by a group of 105 Irish resident consumers. The trained panel results showed that the intensity of seaweed odor, flavor, and visual presence in burgers was negatively related to the intensity of beef odor and flavor and that seaweed addition (5%) significantly increased the saltiness perception of low-salt burgers. Burgers with 1% added seaweed, although perceived by consumers as less salty, could substitute NaCl in low-salt beef patties without deterioration of their liking among regular burger consumers. Consumers associated all seaweed-containing samples, especially those containing 1% of sea spaghetti, with being good, pleasant, satisfied, and warm. The higher inclusion of sea spaghetti (2.5%) led to significantly lower overall liking and reduced purchase intent, while consumers associated this formulation with emotions such as being more adventurous, aggressive, and wild. Consumers who rejected seaweed burgers had the highest level of food neophobia and avoided foods with additives. The results demonstrate that 1% sea spaghetti seaweed can be successfully incorporated into low-salt beef patties, resulting in hedonic and emotional benefits without significantly increasing the salt content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive salt intake, primarily from sodium chloride prevalent in modern food processing, poses a significant public health risk associated with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Researchers worldwide are exploring approaches to reduce salt consumption without compromising food flavor. One promising method is to enhance salty taste perception using multisensory synergies, leveraging gustatory, olfactory, auditory, visual, tactile and trigeminal senses to decrease salt intake while preserving food taste. This review provides a comprehensive overview of salt usage in foods, mechanisms of salty taste perception and evaluation methods for saltiness. Various strategies for reducing salt consumption while maintaining food flavor are examined, with existing salt reduction methods’ advantages and limitations being critically analyzed. A particular emphasis is placed on exploring the mechanisms and potential of multisensory synergy in salt reduction. Taste interactions, olfactory cues, auditory stimulation, visual appearance and tactile sensations in enhancing saltiness perception are discussed, offering insights into developing nutritious, appealing low-sodium foods. Furthermore, challenges in current research are highlighted, and future directions for effective salt reduction strategies to promote public health are proposed. This review aims to establish a scientific foundation for creating healthier, flavorful low-sodium food options that meet consumer preferences and wellness needs.

Seaweed is a naturally rich source of nutrients and exhibits techno-functional properties that are under study for their potential as ingredients in meat products. However, seaweed is associated with a particular flavor profile, and optimization of the sensory profile should be conducted alongside technical performance. This study investigated the feasibility of the application of sea spaghetti (Himanthalia elongata) in the production of low-salt beef patties and recorded the associated sensory profile and consumer hedonic-emotional response. Eight beef patty formulations with varying salt (0–1%) and seaweed (0–5%) contents were subjected to quantitative descriptive analysis via a trained sensory panel (n = 8) and six the formulations were selected for consumer testing (liking, emotional associations, saltiness perception, and purchase intent) by a group of 105 Irish resident consumers. The trained panel results showed that the intensity of seaweed odor, flavor, and visual presence in burgers was negatively related to the intensity of beef odor and flavor and that seaweed addition (5%) significantly increased the saltiness perception of low-salt burgers. Burgers with 1% added seaweed, although perceived by consumers as less salty, could substitute NaCl in low-salt beef patties without deterioration of their liking among regular burger consumers. Consumers associated all seaweed-containing samples, especially those containing 1% of sea spaghetti, with being good, pleasant, satisfied, and warm. The higher inclusion of sea spaghetti (2.5%) led to significantly lower overall liking and reduced purchase intent, while consumers associated this formulation with emotions such as being more adventurous, aggressive, and wild. Consumers who rejected seaweed burgers had the highest level of food neophobia and avoided foods with additives. The results demonstrate that 1% sea spaghetti seaweed can be successfully incorporated into low-salt beef patties, resulting in hedonic and emotional benefits without significantly increasing the salt content.

Ham (Jamón) is a product of great value in Spanish gastronomy, although experts have recommended reducing its consumption due to its high salt content and its relationship with cardio-vascular diseases due to the increase in blood pressure it may cause. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate how the reduction of salt content and the pig genetic line influence bioactivity in boneless hams. For this purpose, 54 hams were studied, 18 boneless Iberian hams (RIB), 18 boneless white hams from commercial cross-bred pigs (RWC), and 18 salted and traditionally processed Iberian hams (TIB) to check if the pig genetic line (RIB vs. RWC) or the processing (RIB vs. TIB) affect the peptide production and bioactivity of the hams. The pig genetic line significantly affected the activity of ACE-I and DPPH, with RWC having the highest ACE-I activity and RIB having the highest antioxidative activity. This coincides with the results obtained in the identification of the peptides and the bioactivity analysis performed. Salt reduction positively affected the different hams, influencing their proteolysis and increasing their bioactivity in traditionally cured hams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical irritants, like piperine, have the potential to increase human perception of tastes and odours, including saltiness. This cross-modal interaction could help the food industry develop new salt-reduced food products that maintain their salty taste. The objective of this study was: firstly, to determine the detection threshold of piperine (n = 72), secondly to evaluate piperine's influence on saltiness perception in model solutions (n = 78), and lastly to identify piperine's effect on sensory perception of low sodium soup using temporal check-all-that-apply (TCATA; n = 75). The group mean of the individual threshold was 0.55 ± 0.15 ppm. Piperine increased the saltiness perception of the model solutions, but it also increased the bitterness and decreased the sweetness of the solutions. The piperine significantly increased the saltiness intensity of the soups (evaluated using a generalized labelled magnitude), but during the TCATA task, the salty attribute was selected less for the soup with piperine than the control (based on the average proportion of selection). The TCATA indicated that the peppery attribute dominated the participants' perception of the soup with piperine. More studies are needed to assess piperine's cross-modal interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium is a necessary nutrient for regulating extracellular fluid and transferring molecules around cell membranes with essential functions. However, the prevalence of some diseases is related to unnecessary sodium intake. As a result, a particular problem for the food industry remains a matter of sodium content in foods. It is considered that customer acceptance is associated with salt perception dynamics related to the evolution of food production. It is a significant challenge and technique to minimize the salt content of various foods and provide replacement products with substantial reductions in salt levels. This review summarizes salt reduction strategies related to health problems based on traditional review methodology, with practical and methodological screening performed to determine the appropriate reference sources. Various technological (salt replacement, food reformulation, size and structural modifications, alternative processing, and crossmodal odor interaction) and behavioral strategies (memory process, gradual salt reduction, and swap) are identified in this work, including a deeper understanding of the principles for reducing sodium content in foods and their effect on food characteristics and potential opportunities for the food industry. Thereby, the food industry needs to find the proper combination of each strategy's advantages and disadvantages to reduce salt consumption while maintaining product quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was investigated whether physicochemical properties and consumer perception of dry-fermented sausages were affected by the partial replacement of fat and salt by other compounds. A control batch and nine experimental batches, following 3 × 3 factorial design, were manufactured. The NaCl was replaced with of calcium lactate, magnesium chloride, or a blend 85% NaCl (sodium chloride) and 15% KCl (potassium chloride). The fat was partially substituted by olive oil, potato puree, or commercial gelatin. The pH, dry matter, fat content, free fatty acid content, peroxide index, microbial analysis, and tasting, were measured. Both fat type and slat type were affected to measured variables. In terms of moisture, gelatin would be the most recommendable substitute for fat, whereas KCL would be the better substitute for salt. The three oil batches and the potato-magnesium batches presented lower fat content than the control batch. Both the free fatty acid content and the peroxide values increased over the ripening time. At the end of the ripening, the three oil batches presented the highest values for free fatty acids, but there were no differences among the batches of peroxide index. Regarding bacterial counts, the potato-KCL batch was the most like the control batch. In visual appraisal, none of the scores of the measured variables were affected by the batch. Nevertheless, the batch of oil-magnesium would be purchased less than expected. The tasting quality was affected only by the salt type, but all of the batches were different from the control. Neither the gender (p > 0.05) nor the age (p > 0.05) of the respondents affected the taste scores, visual appraisal, or purchase intent. Results shows that the partial substitution of fat and salt in dry-fermented sausages is possible, even in greater percentages than those stated in the literature, without a detriment of sensory properties. Nevertheless, further experiments would be necessary to adjust the formulation, as well as to explore other possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iberian dry-cured ham has great value in a traditional Spanish diet, although experts have recommended its consumption should be reduced because of its high salt content and link to cardiovascular diseases. Eighteen boneless Iberian hams (RIB), eighteen boneless white commercially crossed pig hams (RWC), and eighteen traditionally salted and processed Iberian hams (TIB) were manufactured to check whether the breed (RIB vs. RWC) or the processing (RIB vs. TIB) affects their physical–chemical and sensory characteristics. Moisture, protein, total nitrogen, nonprotein nitrogen, proteolysis index, NaCl, and ash contents were higher in RWC, contrary to the fat values, which were more than double in RIB. All macrominerals, except Ca, were affected by the processing stage and breed, whereas only the micromineral Zn was higher in RWC. The breed did not affect the free amino acid content; however, the total content was slightly higher in RWC. Regarding the manufacturing process, the deboning of RIB allowed the reduction of salt by over 30%. However, the microbiological stability was not affected, resulting in a safe product. Although deboning and salt reduction significantly affect the hardness, adhesiveness, deformation, and elasticity of dry-cured hams, consumers value all sensory parameters with higher scores in RIB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ham (Jamón) is a product of great value in Spanish gastronomy, although experts have recommended reducing its consumption due to its high salt content and its relationship with cardio-vascular diseases due to the increase in blood pressure it may cause. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate how the reduction of salt content and the pig genetic line influence bioactivity in boneless hams. For this purpose, 54 hams were studied, 18 boneless Iberian hams (RIB), 18 boneless white hams from commercial cross-bred pigs (RWC), and 18 salted and traditionally processed Iberian hams (TIB) to check if the pig genetic line (RIB vs. RWC) or the processing (RIB vs. TIB) affect the peptide production and bioactivity of the hams. The pig genetic line significantly affected the activity of ACE-I and DPPH, with RWC having the highest ACE-I activity and RIB having the highest antioxidative activity. This coincides with the results obtained in the identification of the peptides and the bioactivity analysis performed. Salt reduction positively affected the different hams, influencing their proteolysis and increasing their bioactivity in traditionally cured hams.

Chemical irritants, like piperine, have the potential to increase human perception of tastes and odours, including saltiness. This cross-modal interaction could help the food industry develop new salt-reduced food products that maintain their salty taste. The objective of this study was: firstly, to determine the detection threshold of piperine (n = 72), secondly to evaluate piperine’s influence on saltiness perception in model solutions (n = 78), and lastly to identify piperine’s effect on sensory perception of low sodium soup using temporal check-all-that-apply (TCATA; n = 75). The group mean of the individual threshold was 0.55 ± 0.15 ppm. Piperine increased the saltiness perception of the model solutions, but it also increased the bitterness and decreased the sweetness of the solutions. The piperine significantly increased the saltiness intensity of the soups (evaluated using a generalized labelled magnitude), but during the TCATA task, the salty attribute was selected less for the soup with piperine than the control (based on the average proportion of selection). The TCATA indicated that the peppery attribute dominated the participants’ perception of the soup with piperine. More studies are needed to assess piperine’s cross-modal interactions.

Sodium is a necessary nutrient for regulating extracellular fluid and transferring molecules around cell membranes with essential functions. However, the prevalence of some diseases is related to unnecessary sodium intake. As a result, a particular problem for the food industry remains a matter of sodium content in foods. It is considered that customer acceptance is associated with salt perception dynamics related to the evolution of food production. It is a significant challenge and technique to minimize the salt content of various foods and provide replacement products with substantial reductions in salt levels. This review summarizes salt reduction strategies related to health problems based on traditional review methodology, with practical and methodological screening performed to determine the appropriate reference sources. Various technological (salt replacement, food reformulation, size and structural modifications, alternative processing, and crossmodal odor interaction) and behavioral strategies (memory process, gradual salt reduction, and swap) are identified in this work, including a deeper understanding of the principles for reducing sodium content in foods and their effect on food characteristics and potential opportunities for the food industry. Thereby, the food industry needs to find the proper combination of each strategy’s advantages and disadvantages to reduce salt consumption while maintaining product quality.

It was investigated whether physicochemical properties and consumer perception of dry-fermented sausages were affected by the partial replacement of fat and salt by other compounds. A control batch and nine experimental batches, following 3 × 3 factorial design, were manufactured. The NaCl was replaced with of calcium lactate, magnesium chloride, or a blend 85% NaCl (sodium chloride) and 15% KCl (potassium chloride). The fat was partially substituted by olive oil, potato puree, or commercial gelatin. The pH, dry matter, fat content, free fatty acid content, peroxide index, microbial analysis, and tasting, were measured. Both fat type and slat type were affected to measured variables. In terms of moisture, gelatin would be the most recommendable substitute for fat, whereas KCL would be the better substitute for salt. The three oil batches and the potato-magnesium batches presented lower fat content than the control batch. Both the free fatty acid content and the peroxide values increased over the ripening time. At the end of the ripening, the three oil batches presented the highest values for free fatty acids, but there were no differences among the batches of peroxide index. Regarding bacterial counts, the potato-KCL batch was the most like the control batch. In visual appraisal, none of the scores of the measured variables were affected by the batch. Nevertheless, the batch of oil-magnesium would be purchased less than expected. The tasting quality was affected only by the salt type, but all of the batches were different from the control. Neither the gender (p > 0.05) nor the age (p > 0.05) of the respondents affected the taste scores, visual appraisal, or purchase intent. Results shows that the partial substitution of fat and salt in dry-fermented sausages is possible, even in greater percentages than those stated in the literature, without a detriment of sensory properties. Nevertheless, further experiments would be necessary to adjust the formulation, as well as to explore other possibilities.

Iberian dry-cured ham has great value in a traditional Spanish diet, although experts have recommended its consumption should be reduced because of its high salt content and link to cardiovascular diseases. Eighteen boneless Iberian hams (RIB), eighteen boneless white commercially crossed pig hams (RWC), and eighteen traditionally salted and processed Iberian hams (TIB) were manufactured to check whether the breed (RIB vs. RWC) or the processing (RIB vs. TIB) affects their physical–chemical and sensory characteristics. Moisture, protein, total nitrogen, nonprotein nitrogen, proteolysis index, NaCl, and ash contents were higher in RWC, contrary to the fat values, which were more than double in RIB. All macrominerals, except Ca, were affected by the processing stage and breed, whereas only the micromineral Zn was higher in RWC. The breed did not affect the free amino acid content; however, the total content was slightly higher in RWC. Regarding the manufacturing process, the deboning of RIB allowed the reduction of salt by over 30%. However, the microbiological stability was not affected, resulting in a safe product. Although deboning and salt reduction significantly affect the hardness, adhesiveness, deformation, and elasticity of dry-cured hams, consumers value all sensory parameters with higher scores in RIB.

The effects of different yeast strains including Pichia kudriavzevii, Torulaspora delbrueckii, and Debaryomyces hansenii on the taste and odour profiles of reduced-salt dry sausages were explored. Inoculation of P. kudriavzevii and D. hansenii compensated for the lack of saltiness and umami tastes of reduced-salt sausages. Furthermore, inoculation of P. kudriavzevii and T. delbrueckii resulted in an odour profile in the reduced-salt dry sausages that was similar to traditional dry sausages. According to the volatile analysis, the contents of certain alcohols, acids, esters and terpenes were higher in the inoculated sausages. Finally, the sensory evaluation indicated that the inoculation of P. kudriavzevii and D. hansenii contributed positively to the aroma and saltiness of reduced-salt dry sausages. In conclusion, P. kudriavzevii and D. hansenii can be employed as effective starter cultures to compensate for the flavour deficiencies of reduced-salt dry sausages.

The objective of this study was to investigate the use of potassium chloride (KCl) and tapioca starch (TS) to reduce salt levels below 1.5% in sausages manufactured using previously high pressure (HP) processed pork (150 MPa). A 3 × 2 × 1 factorial design was used to formulate breakfast sausages with three salt levels (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%), two ingredient levels (no added ingredient or added as a combination of KCl\TS), and one pressure level (150 MPa). Partial replacement of NaCl with KCl and addition of TS had beneficial effects on the water binding abilities of sausage batters by decreasing (p < 0.05) total expressible fluid (%) and increasing water holding capacity (%). Overall, results indicated that the use of KCl\TS imparted some beneficial effects to salt-reduced low fat breakfast sausages and has the potential to reduce salt levels in the breakfast sausages to 1.0% while still maintaining the organoleptic and functional properties traditionally associated with these meat products.

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.

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.

Salt plays a major role in food manufacturing and affects the technological and sensory properties of foods. At the same time, high dietary salt intake increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and represents a considerable public health concern. In many populations, bread is a major contributor to salt intake and is therefore targeted by health policies recommending salt reduction reformulations. However, producers are often reluctant to reduce salt content due to fears of potential negative effects on consumer acceptability and drops in sales. The present work aims to assess the effect of salt content on consumers’ hedonic liking and perception of saltiness intensity, as well as the interaction of these two. The study was conducted using two market-leading bread types (white and multigrain) and bread samples with the national average (reference), reduced (−15%) and increased (+10%) salt levels. A sensory evaluation study (n = 200) was done including a questionnaire on attitudes and behaviour regarding bread and salt, enabling the exploration of individual differences in reactions to modified levels of salt content. The latter only affected hedonic liking for the multigrain sample with 15% salt reduction but not for others, which discloses the importance of the bread matrix; and it did not affect the perception of saltiness intensity. Penalty analysis revealed that perceived non-optimal saltiness results in significantly penalised hedonic liking scores. Segmentation based on perceived saltiness disclosed the explanatory importance of underlying consumer behaviour dimensions which should be considered in designing bread reformulations.

The effects of different yeast strains including Pichia kudriavzevii, Torulaspora delbrueckii, and Debaryomyces hansenii on the taste and odour profiles of reduced-salt dry sausages were explored. Inoculation of P. kudriavzevii and D. hansenii compensated for the lack of saltiness and umami tastes of reduced-salt sausages. Furthermore, inoculation of P. kudriavzevii and T. delbrueckii resulted in an odour profile in the reduced-salt dry sausages that was similar to traditional dry sausages. According to the volatile analysis, the contents of certain alcohols, acids, esters and terpenes were higher in the inoculated sausages. Finally, the sensory evaluation indicated that the inoculation of P. kudriavzevii and D. hansenii contributed positively to the aroma and saltiness of reduced-salt dry sausages. In conclusion, P. kudriavzevii and D. hansenii can be employed as effective starter cultures to compensate for the flavour deficiencies of reduced-salt dry sausages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the use of potassium chloride (KCl) and tapioca starch (TS) to reduce salt levels below 1.5% in sausages manufactured using previously high pressure (HP) processed pork (150 MPa). A 3 × 2 × 1 factorial design was used to formulate breakfast sausages with three salt levels (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%), two ingredient levels (no added ingredient or added as a combination of KCl\TS), and one pressure level (150 MPa). Partial replacement of NaCl with KCl and addition of TS had beneficial effects on the water binding abilities of sausage batters by decreasing (p < 0.05) total expressible fluid (%) and increasing water holding capacity (%). Overall, results indicated that the use of KCl\TS imparted some beneficial effects to salt-reduced low fat breakfast sausages and has the potential to reduce salt levels in the breakfast sausages to 1.0% while still maintaining the organoleptic and functional properties traditionally associated with these meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt plays a major role in food manufacturing and affects the technological and sensory properties of foods. At the same time, high dietary salt intake increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and represents a considerable public health concern. In many populations, bread is a major contributor to salt intake and is therefore targeted by health policies recommending salt reduction reformulations. However, producers are often reluctant to reduce salt content due to fears of potential negative effects on consumer acceptability and drops in sales. The present work aims to assess the effect of salt content on consumers' hedonic liking and perception of saltiness intensity, as well as the interaction of these two. The study was conducted using two market-leading bread types (white and multigrain) and bread samples with the national average (reference), reduced (−15%) and increased (+10%) salt levels. A sensory evaluation study (n = 200) was done including a questionnaire on attitudes and behaviour regarding bread and salt, enabling the exploration of individual differences in reactions to modified levels of salt content. The latter only affected hedonic liking for the multigrain sample with 15% salt reduction but not for others, which discloses the importance of the bread matrix; and it did not affect the perception of saltiness intensity. Penalty analysis revealed that perceived non-optimal saltiness results in significantly penalised hedonic liking scores. Segmentation based on perceived saltiness disclosed the explanatory importance of underlying consumer behaviour dimensions which should be considered in designing bread reformulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]