Sensory analysis and consumer surveys of fat- and salt-reduced meat products and their use in an energy-reduced diet in overweight individuals

Abstract

Meat and meat products are of high nutritional value; however, they frequently provide salt and fat in high amounts, which can have negative health effects when consumed in excess. We investigated salt- and fat-reduced meat products, i.e. sensory evaluation and consumer surveys were carried out as well as a dietary intervention study was carried out in overweight individuals who used salt- and fat-reduced products as a part of an energy-restricted diet. Although differences were detected in the sensory evaluation between reduced and regular meat products, the participants in the consumer surveys and in the dietary intervention study gave good ratings for the fat and fat-reduced meat products. The intervention study led to weight loss and improved cardiovascular risk, but did not reveal side effects associated with the consumption of these products. Our study indicates that such products are well accepted by potential consumers and can be included successfully in a weight loss programme.

Keywords::

• meat products
• fat reduction
• salt reduction
• sensory analysis
• body weight

Declaration of interests: This study was funded by the Icelandic Technology Development Fund (No. 061356). The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.