Evaluation of surimi, fat and water content in a low/no added pork sausage formulation using response surface methodology

Abstract Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for simultaneous analysis of the effects of added surimi (0–40%), fat (5–30%) and water (10–35%), on the physical, textural and sensory characteristics of fresh breakfast pork sausages. Experimental design allowed for evaluation of potential interactive effects between these ingredients. Sausages were evaluated for texture, colour, water holding capacity (WHC) and sensory attributes. Three optimum recipes, R1 (25.3% surimi, 22.2% fat, 12.7% water, 25.3% pork), R2 (12.2% surimi, 5.5% fat, 38.7% water, 33.2% pork) and R3 (25.3% surimi, 6.3% fat, 28.5% water, 25.3% pork), were determined and these were evaluated against a full-fat commercial control (R4). Force values of R1 were not significantly different to R4, however, force values for R2 and R3 were lower ( P P P P P P