Reducing Salt in Cheesy Snacks
Fulfilling the Dream of a Low-Sodium Cheesy Snack
Crispy cheese snacks are a universal favorite for their unique texture and savory taste.
Faced with the challenge of reducing sodium to meet the health expectations of an increasingly health-conscious consumer segment, Done Properly partnered with a Chilean cheese snack brand to remove the “High in Sodium” label from their packaging, without compromising the sensory enjoyment characteristic of these treats.
Less Salt, More Flavor
Our Kitchen R&D team reformulated the snack recipe with two versions of RAISE, a flavor modulator that delivers umami, which significantly lowered the sodium content.
This change preserved the essence of the snack, maintaining the crunchy texture and satisfying taste that consumers know and love.
Validation Through Sensory Panel
To measure the impact of our solution, we conducted a sensory panel with variations of RAISE:
Control Sample – 405: With a solid 8 in overall quality, it set a high comparison point for the other samples.
Sample 306: Containing 2% RAISE H plus yeast extract, this sample scored a 7.7 in overall quality.
Sample 501: With 2% RAISE H, it was the favorite, reaching an 8.3 in overall quality, standing out as the judges’ preferred choice.
Sample 501: Exceeding Flavor Expectations
Color
Sample 501 led with an 8.2, showing that sodium reduction does not compromise appearance.
Aroma
With a 7.8, this sample maintained an appetizing olfactory profile close to real cheese.
Texture
The crunchy texture was valued at 8.4, key to the biting experience.
Overall Flavor
The general flavor was rated at 8.4, reflecting a rich and full taste experience.
Salty Balance
An 8.4 in salty flavor proved that you can have a less salty snack that continues to delight.
Pleasant Aftertaste
The aftertaste kept a score of 8, closing the sensory experience positively.
We successfully reduced the sodium content in the cheese snack by 55%, enhancing the overall flavor and aftertaste
This reformulation case highlights the effectiveness of RAISE in creating reduced-sodium savory snacks, achieving outstanding preference.
The improvements in key indicators of flavor, texture, and overall quality testify to RAISE’s potential to redefine expectations for healthy and delicious snacks.
For food development professionals seeking creative and effective solutions, this study provides a clear path. It is possible to meet nutritional goals and delight consumers simultaneously.
Descubre más acerca de RAISE:
Do you want to know how to replace MSG on processed meat products? Or how does Raise interact in baked doughs? Read more success cases here.
