Inclusion of seaweeds as healthy approach to formulate new low-salt meat products

Abstract

• New eating habits promote the formulation of healthier meat products. • Seaweeds are a good option to develop new low-salt meat products. • Seaweeds are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential amino acids and minerals. • Type and dose of seaweed must be optimized to obtain marketable products. In the last years, the consumption of meat products is associated with a higher incidence of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The outstanding profile of seaweeds in nutritive and bioactive compounds turns them into promising candidates to formulate healthy products. Accordingly, due to the increasing interest of consumers by new functional foods and healthier eating habits, several studies have been focused on the incorporation of seaweeds in meat products to enhance some of their properties considered unhealthy. In particular, this review encompasses the use of seaweeds as salt substitutes in meat products as well as their effects on sensorial and physicochemical properties, microbiological stability and shelf-life of the formulated meat products.