Goin' nuts with sodium reduction

SODIUM consumption typically increases dramatically during sporting events like the World Cup in Brazil. New market research conducted by TNS for the Israel Society of Hypertension shows that 62% of consumers who watch championship games on TV eat savory snacks, while 50% eat a variety of salted nuts.

Salt of the Earth (Atlit, Israel) identified this niche sports fan market as one of the premium targets for reducing sodium consumption, and football and other sports fans can enjoy salted nuts without guilt. Israel’s major producer of salt created a low-sodium salt designed to reduce sodium up to 60% in savory formulations using such popular ingredients as peanuts pistachio, almonds and seeds.

“Consumers prefer healthier products but won’t compromise on organoleptic properties like flavor and mouthfeel,” said Giorit Carmi, marketing manager of Salt of the Earth. “Eating nuts while watching sports is a core part of our culture—even more common than drinking beer.”

The new low-sodium ingredient keeps the same salty taste in a formulation, but has much less sodium. It contains high-value potassium chloride derived from the Dead Sea, plus natural, sustainable Red Sea salt. Produced without chemical processing and with a minimal ecological footprint, the salt is rich in essential minerals and microelements that are vital to well-being.

Ms. Carmi said Zarubi Pitzuchai Hagalil, one of the leading nut companies in Israel, recently added it to their line with great success. Zarubi tested the ingredient in multiple lab applications using several kinds of nuts and based on these results decided to launch the low salty nuts line in Israel.

“The test results should encourage savory snack makers to develop low-sodium nut snacks,” added Ms. Carmi. “Nuts and seeds are highly nutritious, but a key challenge is to reduce sodium without impaction salty flavor.”

This sodium-reduction ingredient is heat stable and enables a “low-sodium” label claim. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives, and is produced under strict inspection to ensure potency, purity and safety.

“Our next step is to introducing this low-sodium ingredient into the global market,” she said.