The influence of fat substitution with -carrageenan, konjac, and tragacanth on the textural properties of low-fat sausage

Reducing the fat content of meat products and producing healthier products is considered as an important matter in politics in prevention of many hazardous diseases and providing consumers' health. The aim of this study was reducing the fat in fatty sausages based on oil reduction and using fat substitutes, including -carrageenan, konjac, and tragacanth, and comparing them according to their texture characteristics. -carrageenan, konjac, and tragacanth gums were used at four different levels (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5) as the fat substitutes in producing low-fat sausage with 70% reduction based on formulated oil. Texture profile analysis (Hardness, Gumminess, Springiness, and Chewiness) was performed in this study for analyzing the texture characteristics, in 1-, 10-, 20-, and 30-day time intervals after production. The results showed that producing low-fat sausage was possible using all the three gums, among the low-fat samples of which, the texture samples containing konjac were more favorable. Textural properties indicated that fat reduction increased in firmness and gum addition can partially compensate deficits in rheological properties, although during the storage, low-fat sausages without any gum have highest decline in Hardness. Konjac gum illustrated the best theological properties between treatments.