Why does the food industry add sugar to cold cuts?

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When we think of cold cuts, ingredients such as meat, salt, spices and preservatives come to mind. But have you ever wondered why sugar, an ingredient typically associated with sweets and desserts, is present in many cold cuts products? The answer to this question involves a combination of historical, technological and sensory factors.

The role of sugar in cold cuts:

Enhancing flavor: Sugar acts as a flavor enhancer, balancing the saltiness and intensifying the aromas of the other ingredients. It helps to create a more complex and pleasant flavor profile.
Increase shelf life: Sugar, together with other ingredients, helps to create an environment less conducive to the growth of bacteria, thus increasing the shelf life of the product.
Improve texture: Sugar can help improve the texture of cold cuts, making them softer and juicier.
Promote fermentation: In some types of cold cuts, such as fermented salami, sugar serves as food for lactic acid bacteria, which produce lactic acid, contributing to the development of the characteristic flavor and preservation of the product.
Increase color: Sugar can react with other food components, promoting the development of a more attractive color.

Why is sugar added?

Tradition and consumer habit: The addition of sugar to cold cuts is an old practice, and many consumers associate this sweet taste with quality products.
Improved taste: The industry is constantly looking for products that are tastier and more attractive to consumers. Sugar is an effective tool for achieving this goal.
Masking undesirable flavors: In some cases, sugar can be used to mask undesirable flavors that may arise during the production process.

Sugar and health: a complex debate

The presence of sugar in cold cuts, which are already considered processed foods with a high sodium content, raises public health concerns. Excessive sugar consumption is associated with various chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

What can we do?

Read the labels: When buying cold cuts, it is essential to read the labels carefully and choose products with lower sugar and sodium content.
Look for alternatives: There are cold cuts options on the market with lower sugar and sodium content, or even artisanal sausages made with more natural ingredients.

In other words

The addition of sugar to cold cuts is a common practice in the food industry, with various justifications. However, it is important that consumers are aware of the ingredients present in the food they eat and make healthier choices. The industry, for its part, must look for alternatives to reduce the sugar and sodium content in its products, without compromising taste and quality.

Alternatives to refined white sugar: what options for a healthier diet?

Refined white sugar, though ubiquitous in our diet, is not without its health hazards. In addition to promoting blood sugar peaks and causing problems such as obesity and diabetes, it is devoid of essential nutrients. Fortunately, there are many natural alternatives for sweetening our dishes while taking care of our health. Here are a few to discover! :-)

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