Determining Efficacy of Monosodium Glutamate for Salt Reduction in Plain and Spiced ‘Poories’ Through Sensory Responses

Abstract

Palatability is considered as a major determinant of food selection and intake. Umami foods are being employed widely in savory food formulation for its greater potential for enhancing savory taste. In the present investigation, the role of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in salt reduction along with spices was investigated to understand the flavor potentiating effect and synergistic action of MSG. Deep fried unleavened wheat based traditional Indian bread (Poories) was chosen to study the acceptability. Control product was prepared with 2.0% salt. For experimental products, two levels of MSG viz, 75 and 100 mg/100 g and three levels of salt, namely, 1.5, 1.75 and 2.0% were selected. Spices, namely, chili (Capsicum annum L.) cumin (Cuminum cyminum)), pepper (Piper nigrum L) and omum (Trachyspermum ammi)) were incorporated into the product, either as single spice or in combination. The results revealed that the MSG added products were given a higher score for umami flavour in comparison to the control product. In general, MSG added products scored better for flavor in salt reduced products. Results of low sodium poories with single spices and different level of salt indicated that all products prepared with spices were equally liked for the selected sensory characteristics. The products prepared with 1.75% salt obtained highest scores. This is indicative of the flavour enhancing property of MSG. Similarly for products with mixture of spices; salt reduced products were also accepted well. PCA plot revealed the flavor potentiating effect of MSG in salt reduction. Thus it could be said that using MSG and spices combination would be a better option for achieving salt reduction in savory products.