Salt-roasting of snack pellets : a study on the effects of a novel processing technique on product quality attributes and acrylamide content

Abstract: Snacks are often associated with chips and expanded snack products that generally known for their characteristic texture. These products are normally high in calories with a low content of nutrients and are therefore perceived as unhealthy by many consumers.In addition to their low nutrient content, they might be a source of acrylamide,which has been classified as human carcinogen by the European Food Safety Authority. The growing demand for healthier snack foods has led manufactures to begin experimenting with new processing techniques.  The aim of the study is to evaluate product qualities as affected by two different processing techniques of snack pellets. The more conventional expansion method of deep frying in oilis compared to roasting, using salt as a heat conductor. In order to evaluate the effect of salt-roasting, analyses of salt, fat, water and acrylamide content has been carried out. A sensory triangle test was conducted to determine if there is a difference in texture between snacks expanded using the two processing techniques.  Results indicate that salt-roastingmay have a positive effect by reducing the level of acrylamide in the product. Furthermore, salt-roasting provides a snack pellet with a lower fat content. However, the salt-roasting technique results in a higher salt content in the snack as compared to deep frying. The results from the triangle test shows that there was a significant (p=<0.005) difference between the texture of deep fried and roasted snack pellets. Based on the qualitative commentary of the panelists,  the salt-roasted snack pellets are smaller in size and have a harder and more compact texture compared to the deep fried ones.It is important to point out that results of the study are limited and should only be considered as indications.