Maillard reaction products and metabolite profile of plant-based meat burgers compared with traditional meat burgers and cooking-induced alterations.

We are undergoing a food transformation with the introduction of plant-based meat analogues, but little is known about their chemical characteristics. This study aimed to elucidate the Maillard reactions in plant-based meat burger alternatives (PBMBA). For this purpose, NMR-based metabolomics and targeted MS analysis of Maillard and dehydroalanine pathway markers were conducted on six PBMBA prototypes with different proportions of high-moisture protein extrudates, low-moisture extrudates and pea protein on a commercial PBMBA and on a meat burger before and after cooking. Results revealed that higher levels of Maillard reaction markers were present in PBMBAs in the uncooked state, with lower levels formed during cooking compared with conventional meat. The metabolite profile disclosed that the distinct pattern of the Maillard reaction could be attributed to different substrate availability, but data also revealed that pre-processing of the plant protein affects the presence of Maillard reaction products in PBMBAs.

Sensory characteristics and consumer liking of sausages with 10% fat and added rye or wheat bran.

Improving the nutritional profile of sausages through the addition of dietary fiber might affect appetite, sensory characteristics, and liking differently depending on the fiber source. This study investigates the sensory characteristics and consumer acceptance of sausages with 10% (w/w) fat and added rye or wheat bran. Sensory descriptive attributes (odor, appearance, texture, and flavor) of rye bran sausage (RBS) and wheat bran sausage (WBS) were evaluated by a trained sensory panel (n = 9). A sausage with wheat flour (WFS) and two commercial 20% (20%S) and 10% (10%S) (w/w) fat sausages were also included. Liking was investigated in consumer tests with two Danish target groups (49 children aged between six and nine and 24 parents). RBS and WBS were similar with regard to their sensory descriptive attributes, but the structure of these sausages was coarser and the color was more brown than the other sausages. RBS was similar to the commercial 10%S with regard to several sensory attributes and liking, whereas WBS was the least juicy, had a higher intensity of cereal odor and flavor, and the lowest liking.

Appetite and food intake after consumption of sausages with 10% fat and added wheat or rye bran.

The use of dietary fibers as fat-replacers in sausages gives less energy-dense and thereby healthier foods. Also, dietary fibers have been shown to induce satiety. The objectives of this study were to investigate if appetite sensations and energy intake was affected by (1) addition of dietary fibers to sausages, (2) type of dietary fibers and (3) the food matrix of the dietary fibers. In this randomized cross-over study 25 young men were served four test meals; wheat bran sausages, rye bran sausages, rye bran bread and wheat flour sausages. The test meals were served as breakfast after an overnight fast. Appetite sensations were evaluated by visual analogue scales (VAS) assessed every 30 min for 240 min followed by an ad libitum lunch meal where energy intake was calculated. Both rye bran and wheat bran sausages increased satiety (P < 0.01) and fullness (P < 0.02) and decreased hunger (P < 0.001) and prospective consumption (P < 0.001) compared to wheat flour sausages. Furthermore, rye bran sausages increased satiety (P < 0.05) and fullness (P < 0.02) and decreased prospective consumption (P < 0.01) compared to rye bran bread. No differences in subsequent energy intake were observed. In conclusion, wheat and rye bran added to sausages decreased appetite sensations and thereby has a potential added health benefit beyond the role as fat-replacer. The satisfying effect of dietary fibers appears to be more pronounced when added to sausages than when added to bread, stressing the importance of food matrix and food processing.