Composition and consumer acceptability of a novel extrusion-cooked salmon snack

The objectives of this study were to develop a value-added jerky-style snack from salmon flesh and to minimize loss of healthful lipids during processing. Three formulations were extruded in a laboratory-scale twin-screw extruder. The base formulation included Atlantic salmon (82%, w/w), sucrose (4%), pregelatinized starch (3%), modified tapioca starch (3%), salt (2%), and teriyaki flavoring (2%). Three oil binding agents (tapioca starch, high-amylose cornstarch, oat fiber) were each studied at the 4% level. Barrel temperature, from feed to die, was 65, 155, 155, and 80 degrees C. Screw speed was 250 rpm. Feed rate was 220 g/min. Extrudates were convection-dried at 93 degrees C for 40 min. A texture analyzer was used to evaluate textural properties. Sixty-three consumers evaluated the hedonic attributes of the snacks. Extrusion cooking did not adversely affect content of omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in Atlantic salmon. The oat fiber formulation had the highest lipid (17.49%) content. The other formulations had higher moisture content. A serving (28 g) of the oat formulation provides 0.6 g EPA + DHA. Snacks containing oat fiber had the highest CIE L* and b* values. Snacks containing oat fiber required greater force to bend, cut, and puncture. The oat fiber formulation had the lowest overall acceptability. This portable snack could appeal to consumers who are interested in the health benefits of fish and omega-3 fatty acids and provide salmon processors with a value-added solution for processing by-products.