In October, FDA released long-anticipated guidance on sodium-reduction targets for the food industry — a move designed to encourage the reduction of Americans’ sodium intake, which exceeds the 2,300-milligram limit recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans by nearly 50%.
Salt’s ability to balance and expose rich flavors makes it the easiest and most inexpensive way to enhance flavor. However, industry changes are encouraging manufacturers to revisit sodium levels in their products.
A Rutgers University student team won a product development competition at the IFT Wellness Conference using Tate & Lyle’s sodium-reduction technology.
Public health concerns over hypertension have cheesemakers looking to reduce sodium. Research has found that a little dairy in a DASH diet reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
Pressure from public health authorities to reduce sodium in the food supply continues to grow. There are many sides to the debate. Though dairy foods in total contribute only 11% of the sodium in the U.S. diet, the dairy industry has recognized the need to address these concerns and has been taking action. Being proactive helps the industry identify solutions that make sense for the food supply, the dairy business and consumers’ health and taste preferences.
In February, Nu-Tek Salt, Minnetonka, Minn., said that Khosla Ventures, Menlo Park, Calif., has made a significant investment in the company, adding a major partnership and equity position to the company.
Reducing sodium levels will require masking agents and metallic/bitter blockers to eliminate the off-flavors caused by potassium-based salt substitutes.
High levels of dietary sodium can increase blood pressure. But the health consequences of population-wide sodium reduction are still the subject of some debate. Americans consume on average 3,400 milligrams of sodium daily.
At this year’s IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo, Wixon will showcase “Tastes That Target Any Generation,” a themed menu that features flavors appealing to Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y and Gen Z in the form of reduced-sodium and reduced-sugar beverages mixes