Salt Substitute Composition Masking Potassium Chloride Off-Flavours
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing salt substitutes based on potassium chloride (KCl) suffer from bitter and metallic tastes, which are not effectively masked, and have lower saltiness intensity compared to sodium chloride (NaCl), posing challenges in achieving a balanced taste and blood pressure lowering effect.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), and specific potassium magnesium citrate (K4Mg(C6H5O7)2) in defined mass fractions, along with optional auxiliary food ingredients, effectively masks off-flavours and enhances salty taste perception while acting as a blood pressure lowering agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If potassium chloride (KCl) is used as a salt substitute to reduce sodium intake, then blood pressure lowering action is achieved, but bitter and metallic tastes are generated
Solution Approach 1:
Sodium gluconate is introduced as an intermediary substance that mediates between KCl and the human taste system. It specifically masks the bitter and metallic tastes of KCl through taste interaction, while allowing the saltiness and blood pressure lowering effects to pass through unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful bitter and metallic tastes of KCl into a beneficial masking effect. By using sodium gluconate, the offensive tastes are transformed into an acceptable flavor profile that enhances the overall saltiness perception while maintaining the health benefits of reduced sodium intake.
2Quantity of substance
If potassium chloride (KCl) is used as a salt substitute, then sodium intake is reduced, but saltiness intensity is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the compositional parameters of the salt substitute by adding sodium gluconate in specific proportions (0.1-10% by weight). This parameter change modifies the taste profile to enhance saltiness perception while maintaining reduced sodium content compared to pure NaCl.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite salt substitute material combining KCl (60-99.9% by weight) with sodium gluconate (0.1-10% by weight). This composite formulation synergistically combines the blood pressure lowering effect of KCl with the saltiness enhancement of sodium gluconate, achieving both health benefits and sensory acceptance.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If various citrate salts are used to mask bitterness of potassium chloride, then off-flavours are masked, but the composition becomes complex with multiple ingredients
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by selecting a specific functional ingredient (sodium gluconate) with precise properties tailored for taste masking. Rather than using complex mixtures of various citrate salts, a single well-chosen substance performs the masking function effectively, simplifying the composition while maintaining off-flavour suppression.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the novel specific composition of salt substitute comprising sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium magnesium citrate [K4Mg (C6H5O7) 2], and optionally, one or more auxiliary food ingredient. The composition of the present invention acts as efficient salt replacement that can be used as a table-top salt substitute, an industrial salt substitute for manufacturing of various food products with reduced sodium content, as an adjuvant for prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions connected with high sodium consumption and potassium and magnesium deficiencies, as well as a dietetic salt for use in animals.