Global food ingredients company Griffith Foods is spotlighting sodium reduction opportunities in meat products after helping a Canadian brand reduce sodium in their frozen beef burgers by 25% while maintaining consumer acceptance in sensory testing.

According to Griffith Foods, 75% of test participants identified no noticeable difference between the reformulated burgers and the original product, demonstrating the potential for sodium reduction without sacrificing flavor.

The company highlighted the case study as part of its newly launched Craveable Impact: Sodium Solutions initiative, designed to help food manufacturers reformulate products while maintaining taste and functionality.

The sodium reduction effort comes as processors face increasing pressure from regulators, retailers and consumers to improve nutritional profiles without compromising eating quality. Canada’s mandatory front-of-pack labeling requirements for foods high in sodium are scheduled to take effect in January 2026.

Griffith Foods said its sodium reduction platform takes a flavor-first approach that relies on tailored ingredient systems rather than direct salt replacement alone. The company’s formulations incorporate ingredients such as salt replacers, flavor enhancers, umami builders, herbs, spices, acids and flavor modulators to help maintain product performance and consumer appeal.

“Consumers still judge products on flavor first,” said Sara Consiglio, senior global category manager at Griffith Foods. “Reformulation efforts that compromise taste put brand equity at risk.”

In addition to the Canadian burger application, Griffith Foods reported sodium reductions of up to 70% in select global applications, including proteins, snacks and deli meats. The company said several reformulated products have already launched across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

Griffith Foods noted that consumer demand continues shifting toward better-for-you products, with growing attention on sodium content and front-of-pack labeling requirements. The company also cited increased retailer scrutiny surrounding reformulation efforts and nutrition-related product claims.

The company said its sodium reduction initiative supports broader efforts tied to its 2030 sustainability and nutrition goals, while helping manufacturers improve regulatory readiness and speed to market across multiple regions and product categories.

Source: Griffith Foods