Partial replacement of NaCl can be achieved with potassium, magnesium and calcium salts in brown bread

Objectives To develop a reduced-sodium bread in which salt (NaCl) is partially replaced with potassium, magnesium and calcium salts. Methods Experimental bread was compared against standard brown bread, after a drop test (to assess whether bread quality deteriorates with abuse) and after the usual baking practices for baking properties (volume, crust colour, crumb colour and cell structure), sensory properties and nutritional composition. Plant production feasibility was evaluated in an industrial plant. Breads produced there were subjected to sensory evaluation using triangulation tests in a panel of 122 consumers. Twenty-four samples of both standard and experimental bread were laboratory-analysed for sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium content. Results and conclusion A 32.3% reduced-sodium brown bread was developed that was acceptable in terms of baking qualities, appearance, texture and taste. The potassium, magnesium and calcium contents of the bread were increased by 55.2%, 69.0%, and 34.8%, respectively.