Use of native pea starches as an alternative to modified corn starch in low-fat bologna.

In an attempt to explore alternative ingredients that satisfy emerging consumers demand for clean label products, we investigated the impact of pea starches on functional properties, textural and eating quality of low-fat (LF) bologna. LF bologna processed without binder (control) was compared to formulations supplemented with modified corn starch (MCS) or one of two pea starches: air classified pea starch (ACPS) and wet extracted pea starch (WEPS). Although not as effective as corn starch, addition of pea starches reduced cook loss and improved water holding capacity of LF bologna sausage (P < 0.05). Generally, pea starches contributed to higher chewiness and hardness in LF bologna (P < 0.05). However, instrumental colour parameters as well as sensory attributes of LF bologna type sausages were only minimally impacted by the addition of starches. The current study revealed that pea starch addition to LF bologna could be beneficial for meat processors given that its effect on sensory attributes is only marginal when compared to other conventional binders.