The relationship between the composition and texture of conventional and low-fat frankfurters

The chemical composition, instrumental texture and sensory properties of eighteen conventional and three low-fat commercially produced frankfurters were analysed. The most important factors in defining the texture of the product were hardness and juiciness, these being related respectively to the percentage of protein and the fat/protein ratio in the frankfurter. Subsequently, using a basic formulation of soya protein and starch, different levels of fat (10 and 15%) and hydrocolloids carrageenan, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and apple pectin] were tested. According to results from these trials, three low-fat formulations were chosen. The three low-fat sausages were a sausage with 15% fat and carrageenan (0.5%), a sausage with 10% fat and a combination of carrageenan (0.5%) and pectin (0.4%) and a sausage with 10% fat and a combination of carrageenan (0.5%) and CMC (0.1%). The sensory and instrumental texture attributes of the three low-fat and the standard sausages were investigated. Results indicated that low-fat (10%) frankfurters with a texture profile similar to standard frankfurters could be manufactured through the addition of mixtures of proteins and hydrocolloids. The combination of carrageenan with CMC or apple pectin is more efficient than the use of carrageenan alone as both combinations allow a higher reduction of fat, at the same time achieving a final texture well liked by consumers.