Effects of wheat fiber, oat fiber, and inulin on sensory and physico-chemical properties of Chinese-style sausages

Abstract

This study introduces the addition of wheat fiber, oat fiber, and inulin to Chinese-style sausages, in amounts of 3.5% and 7%, respectively. Researchers used analysis of general composition and texture properties, and sensory evaluation to assess the influence of these three types of dietary fiber on the quality and palatability of Chinese-style sausages. Results showed that the type and amount of dietary fiber introduced did not significantly influence the general composition, color, and total plate count of sausages. However, the addition of wheat fiber and oat fiber significantly hardened the texture of Chinese-style sausages (p<0.05). A greater amount of dietary fiber added implied a harder texture. Added inulin did not influence the texture of Chinese-style sausages (p>0.05). Results of product assessment showed that, aside from sausages with 7% wheat fiber scoring less than 6 points (on a 9-point scale) in terms of overall acceptability, the other groups of Chinese-style sausages scored over 6 points. Judges preferred the sausage groups with 3.5% added oat and wheat fiber. This study demonstrates that adding fiber to Chinese-style sausages to increase the amount of dietary fiber is feasible.