Monoammonium Glutamate: What Is Its Potential in the Reduction of Sodium Content in Different Food Matrices?

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of monoammonium glutamate (MAG) in reducing the sodium chloride (NaCl) content (CCRD) of food matrices, including shoestring potatoes, requeijão cheese, and beef burgers. To this end, a time intensity (TI) analysis, temporal dominance of sensations (TDSs), and acceptance tests were employed to evaluate the NaCl reduction in various food items. The TI analysis showed that all experimental units had a mean salty taste intensity that equaled or exceeded the control. The TDS profiles of shoestring potatoes and requeijão cheese and the control were similar. However, the requeijão cheese exhibited significantly lower acceptance than the controls. The food matrices influenced the potential use of MAG and the CCRD. The addition of 2% MAG to the formulation reduced the NaCl content by up to 50% in shoestring potatoes and 65% in beef burgers without compromising the temporal perception of a salty taste and sensory acceptance.