Salt of the Earth has launched a new all-natural food ingredient Umamix Bold that claims to cut sodium levels in food products, besides boosting the flavor.
Umamix Bold will also help in eliminating the use of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in savoury food applications.
The Israel-based company said that the new product is made from sea salt, tomato concentrate, and mushroom and seaweed extracts.
Salt of the Earth marketing manager Revital Ben Shachar said: "Consumers are aware of the World Health Organization's (WHO) call to reduce sodium and, at the same time, they demand cleaner products with natural positioning.
"We don't consume food just to feel satiety; we want so much more from our food today. For example, eating in a restaurant involves all of our senses - appearance and texture are not enough.
"A food must be healthful, look great and taste delicious. Umamix Bold has an exotic taste that can enhance the flavor of a variety of products."
A trial conducted with a meat company in Israel showed that using Umamix Bold in place of salt can improve flavor and reduce sodium by up to 30%.
The company plans to launch the product in the US at NRA show in Chicago in May.
Salt of the Earth food service export manager Dror Levy said: "Umamix bold fits perfectly in with the current flavor trends in Europe and the USA market.
"Bold flavors that also deliver health benefits are on the rise. The alluring taste of umami so favored in Asian cuisine fits well in new gourmet recipes as well as in processed foods.
"Umamix Bold is a new member of our sodium-reduction line and makes a perfect addition to our previously launched Umamix."
A survey by Center for Science in the Public Interest showed that 451 packaged and restaurant foods saw a fall in sodium by 4% over a 10-year period.
CSPI president Michael F. Jacobson said: "For 40 years, the food industry has offered voluntary action to reduce sodium in packaged foods, and for 40 years, the FDA has obediently observed from the sidelines."
