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Novel Small-Molecule Natural Product Salt Enhancing Compounds

Agriculture
Food Production & Products
Food Nutrition & Quality Enhancement
Foods, Additives, & Supplements
College
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES)
Researchers
Peterson, Devin
Kokkinidou, Smaro "Smaro"
Peterson, Julie
Schwartz, Eric
Licensing Manager
Dahlman, Jason "Jay"
(614)292-7945
dahlman.3@osu.edu

T2020-326

The Need:

In the face of mounting health concerns related to excessive sodium intake, there is a pressing need within the food and beverage industry to develop products that maintain flavor profiles while reducing sodium content. With dietary risks being a significant contributor to global mortality rates, the demand for solutions to mitigate sodium intake without compromising taste has never been more urgent.

The Technology:

Our groundbreaking food technology addresses this critical need by introducing a novel seasoning composition. This composition includes a salt component alongside a sodium-free saltiness-perception enhancing compound derived from natural sources. By leveraging compounds such as gentisic acid 5-O-[3-D xylopyranoside or kukoamine A, our technology ensures that food products maintain their saltiness intensity without the addition of sodium or unwanted off-flavors.

Commercial Applications:

  • Seasoning for various food products including snacks like tortilla chips, potato chips, and popcorn.
  • Ingredient for ready-to-eat meal options such as soups or liquid food products.
  • Enhancement for solid food products, including crispy breads, pretzels, and nut clusters.

Benefits/Advantages:

  • Healthier food options: Reduces sodium content without compromising flavor, catering to health-conscious consumers.
  • Natural ingredients: Derived from plant-based sources, meeting the growing demand for natural flavoring agents.
  • Versatile application: Suitable for a wide range of food products, offering flexibility to manufacturers.
  • Enhanced taste perception: Maintains saltiness intensity, ensuring consumer satisfaction and retention.
  • Simplified labeling: Enables clearer labeling as a natural flavoring agent, appealing to label-conscious consumers.