2 in 1: Flavor Booster and Sodium Reducer from Umamix

07 Apr 2016 --- Salt of the Earth Ltd. are launching Umamix Bold for multiple food applications in the food manufacturing and food service industries. The new, all-natural ingredient is designed to simultaneously reduce sodium and boost flavor. Umamix Bold is a new addition to the company's recently developed Umamix line.

Food technologists and chefs constantly seek real innovation, with reducing sodium as just one goal in developing today’s new products. To effectively compete, new foods must be tasty and “wow” consumers with a bold, exotic flavor. Umamix Bold fits perfectly into this slot. The all-natural ingredient contains a proprietary combination of sea salt, tomato concentrate, and mushroom and seaweed extracts. It also helps to eliminate the use of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in savory foods. According to recent study conducted by MMR Research, 30% of global consumers actively seek products with a clean label. Umamix Bold is non-GMO, MSG-free and does not contain any artificial colors, preservatives or e-numbers. It enables a clean label claim and helps companies in their efforts to launch healthier products.

“Consumers are aware of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) call to reduce sodium and, at the same time, they demand cleaner products with natural positioning,” says Revital Ben-Shachar, marketing manager for Salt of the Earth. “We don’t consume food just to feel satiety; we want so much more from our food today. For example, eating in a restaurant involves all of our senses – appearance and texture are not enough. A food must be healthful, look great and taste delicious. Umamix Bold has an exotic taste that can enhance the flavor of a variety of products.”

Ben-Shachar told FoodingredientsFirst that the strategy was to develop a sodium reduction ingredient that will provide comprehensive solution to sodium reduction without losing taste. "One of the main principles in the development is to maintain a 100% natural product that will enable clean label claim," he said. "We strive to develop innovative sodium reduction solutions that can be adapt easily by food manufactures. You simply reduce salt and add Umamix Bold into the formulation.

“Our ingredient can provide the umami flavor and reduce sodium at the same time,” Ben-Shachar claims.

“Umamix bold fits perfectly in with the current flavor trends in Europe and the USA market,” notes Dror Levy, food service export manager for Salt of the Earth. “Bold flavors that also deliver health benefits are on the rise. The alluring taste of umami so favored in Asian cuisine fits well in new gourmet recipes as well as in processed foods. Umamix Bold is a new member of our sodium-reduction line and makes a perfect addition to our previously launched Umamix.”

A successful trial conducted with a leading processed meat company in Israel showed that replacing salt with Umamix Bold in sausages can improve flavor and easily decrease sodium by up to 30%.

With innovation and quality as its driving principles, Salt of the Earth has been producing sustainable sea salt solutions for the global food industry since 1922. Salt of the Earth’s customers span more than 30 countries on 5 continents. The company controls and tracks sustainable salt resources and works to promote balanced salt consumption through innovative sodium reduction solutions.

“We hope to launch more salt reduction solutions before the end of 2016,” Ben-Shachar adds.

by Elizabeth Kenward