Application of Microbial Transglutaminase and Functional Ingredients for the Healthier Low-Fat/Salt Meat Products: A Review

The level of fat and salt can affect the product quality and storage stability of processed meats. Additionally, consumers' demands require dietary guidelines for developing low-fat/salt functional foods. Microbial transglutaminase (MTGase), which enhances textural properties by catalyzing protein-protein cross-linkages, was introduced to develop healthier low-fat/salt meat products. The potential possibilities of low-fat/salt processed meats were reviewed under optimal conditions for functional ingredients from several previous studies. The addition of non-meat protein (e.g. sodium caseinate and soy protein isolates), hydrocolloids (e. g. konjac: flour, carrageenan, and alginates), and MTGase alone or in combination with other functional ingredients improved textural and sensory properties similar to those of regularly processed meats. When MTGase was combined with hydrocolloids (konjac flour or sodium alginate) or other functional ingredients, gelling properties of meat protein were improved even at a low salt level. Based on these reviews, functional ingredients combined with new processing technologies could be incorporated into processed meats to improve the functionality of various low-fat/salt meat products.