Design of a new cooked meat sausage enriched with calcium

The effect of calcium lactate, calcium gluconate and calcium citrate addition on the sensory properties of cooked meat sausages has been studied. Conventional and reduced-fat products (approx. 40%) were manufactured. The calcium salts studied were added in sufficient amounts to 100 g of final product to give 20% and 25% of calcium RDA (1200 mg). The energy value reduction in the final products was close to 30%. The instrumental measurement of colour and texture was performed. The presence of calcium salts only slightly decrease the lightness of the sausage and few changes were observed in relation to the texture. These were mainly related to increased hardness, observed at levels of calcium at 25% RDA. Sensory properties were estimated by a hedonic test. In general terms, they were very acceptable, which indicated that it is possible to manufacture conventional and reduced-fat cooked meat products enriched with calcium as a new healthier meat product.