The Sodium Challenge in the Meat and Poultry Industry

The meat and poultry industry faces a unique challenge when it comes to sodium reduction. Salt plays a crucial role in the taste, texture, food safety and even the economics of these products. However, the growing consumer demand for healthier options and the impending FDA Front of Pack regulations necessitate innovative solutions for sodium reduction without compromising product quality.

Health Implications and Regulatory Landscape

The health risks associated with excessive sodium intake are well-documented, including hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. These concerns have led to increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies like the FDA, which is pushing for clearer labeling and sodium reduction targets. The proposed Front of Pack labeling regulations will make sodium content more prominent for consumers, influencing their purchasing decisions and putting pressure on manufacturers to reformulate their products.

Source: The US Food and Drug Administration / https://www.fda.gov

Consumer Trends and Market Opportunities

While flavor continues to be the leading factor of purchase decisions, nearly half (46%) of Americans are concerned with their sodium intake¹.  Furthermore, almost 2 in 5 new product launches in North America are marketed with a clean label claim².  Companies that can successfully reduce sodium in their products while maintaining taste with a clean label will have a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

NuTek's Beyond Salt: A Breakthrough in Sodium Reduction

NuTek Natural Ingredients has developed a revolutionary solution to the sodium challenge: Beyond Salt. This patented, all-natural alternative salt can reduce sodium by up to 50% without compromising the flavor or functionality of meat and poultry products. Beyond Salt is composed of marine-sourced sodium and potassium salts, both essential minerals. 

Source: © Shutterstock / Drazen Zigic

Beyond Salt's Versatility and Benefits

Beyond Salt's versatility makes it an ideal solution for a wide range of meat and poultry applications, including processed meats, poultry products, and ready-to-eat meals. Its benefits extend beyond sodium reduction, as it can also improve the nutritional profile of products by adding essential minerals. Additionally, Beyond Salt is available in a variety of granulations to suit different manufacturing processes.

NuTek's Expertise and Support

NuTek Natural Ingredients boasts over two decades of experience in the sodium reduction industry. Our team of food scientists and application specialists works closely with meat and poultry processors to develop customized sodium reduction solutions. We offer comprehensive support, including:

• Sensory and Application Testing: We conduct rigorous testing to ensure that Beyond Salt seamlessly integrates into your products without compromising taste or texture.
• Regulatory Compliance: Our experts stay abreast of the latest FDA regulations and can guide you through the labeling and compliance process.
• Consumer Insights: We leverage market research and consumer trends to help you develop products that meet the evolving demands of health-conscious consumers.

“We continue to see sodium reduction efforts gain momentum on a global basis, with regulatory pressures continuing to increase and expand. We also see more companies proactively improving the nutrition of their products to support their ESG initiatives. NuTek's cost-effective, clean-label solutions are ideally suited to help create great tasting, high quality meat and poultry products with significantly lower sodium.” Steve Zimmerman, Senior Director Technical Sales, NuTek Natural Ingredients.

Partnering for a Healthier Future

NuTek Natural Ingredients is committed to helping the meat and poultry industry navigate the sodium reduction challenge and meet the growing demand for healthier products. By partnering with us, you can leverage our expertise, innovative solutions, and comprehensive support to create delicious, nutritious, and sodium-conscious products that resonate with consumers and comply with regulatory requirements.

NuTek offers several sodium reduction options under the brand names Salt for Life and Beyond Salt including culinary salt options such as Beyond Sea Salt and Beyond Himalayan.  

To learn more and review our complete portfolio, visit our website www.nuteknatural.com or email us at [email protected].

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1 - 2024 IFIC Spotlight Survey: American Consumer Perceptions of Sodium in the Diet 

2 - 2023 Innova Market Insights. Trends Insider, Revealing the Future: Exploring the Trends in Clean Label Products in the US & Canada