Tempero à base de ervas como estratégia para redução da oferta de sódio para comensais de uma unidade de alimentação e nutrição

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the use of a herbs-based seasoning in protein preparations as a strategy for reducing sodium intake by diners served at a Food and Nutrition Unit (FNU). Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in a FNU factory. The herbs-based seasoning was developed with the help of the unit's cooks. The proximate composition of protein preparations was determined with the aid of food composition tables. To assess the acceptance of the preparations, a sensory analysis was performed for two culinary preparations: chicken breast and beef chuck steak added with the herbs-based seasoning. The following attributes were considered for evaluating colour, texture, aroma, appearance and overall evaluation, on a 9-point hedonic scale ranging from “I disliked a lot” to “I liked a lot”. The acceptability index was also calculated for all attributes. Results: Forty-one consumer judges were recruited to perform the sensory analysis. There was an important reduction in sodium levels of 60.2% (from 939.2 mg to 375.3 mg) and 23.3% (from 709.7 mg to 544.0 mg) per 100g of chicken breast and beef chuck steak, respectively, and an increase in the fiber content of the preparations that received the herbs-based seasoning. The global acceptance index of seasoned chicken breast and beef chuck steak was 87.8% and 83.8%, respectively. Conclusion: The substitution of ultra-processed seasoning for herbs-based seasoning in protein preparations was well accepted among FNU diners.

Keywords

• salt. food composition. collective feeding. occupational groups.