Effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) partial substitution by potassium chloride (KCl) in combination with high pressure on sensory and chemical properties of beef sausage during cold storage at 4°C

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of partial substitution of 25% and 50% NaCl with KCl coupled with high pressure processing (100 MPa for 5 min at 25°C), on sensory and chemical qualities of beef sausage for 28 days’ storage at 4°C. Three sausage formulations were produced with different concentrations of NaCl (100%, 75% and 50%) and KCl (0%, 25% and 50% respectively). High pressure application reduced the total NaCl content and improved the sensory acceptance for taste and flavor compared to control beef sausages. The addition of KCl showed the lowest values for Na+ content; the highest scores for all sensory parameters, improved hardness and chewiness, with results not statistically different from the results obtained by combining HPP and KCl. Therefore, the use of HPP in combination with KCl was considered a technological and sensorial viable alternative to produce low sodium beef sausages.