Background
The Challenge
Our teams were challenged to reduce sodium in the product to avoid a FOP label without any changes to the burger’s craveable flavor, juicy texture, directions for use (DFU), and cook yields. Clean labeling and seamless production performance were non-negotiable.
However, sodium plays a critical functional role in helping bring proteins together, ensuring a juicy, flavorful, and perfectly textured product. Reducing it risked impacting the eating experience and product performance, making reformulation technically complex.
Our Approach
To compensate for the sodium reduction while maintaining flavor, our R&D and regulatory teams along with the customer’s sensory team leveraged Griffith Foods’ Craveable Impact Sodium solutions and reformulated a high performing seasoning blend that balanced the overall product.
Strategic recipe adjustments ensured full flavor and texture satisfaction, all with Halal compliance.
The Results
The final formulation successfully:
- Reduced sodium by 33% in the finished burger
- Delivered no noticeable difference in taste for 75% of taste test participants in a customer-led taste test
- Maintained cook yields and texture despite lower salt levels
- Avoided disruptions in manufacturing performance
The product achieved regulatory compliance without triggering a FOP sodium label, allowing the customer to maintain existing packaging and avoid costly relabeling or repositioning.
Summary
This project exemplifies how Griffith Foods partners with customers to meet evolving regulatory demands while protecting brand integrity and taste experience. It also reflects one of our 2030 Aspirations, to develop a nutritious and sustainable portfolio.
Through smart ingredient selection, sensory insight, and technical expertise, we helped our customer achieve sodium reduction without compromise.
Ready to create products that are not only delicious but also nutritious? Contact Griffith Foods today and let’s work together to bring your next innovation to life. Let’s continue Creating Better Together.™
