Abstract

The potential applicability of β-carotene-loaded nanoemulsion (CNE) as a natural colorant in non-smoked sausage made from goat meat surimi-like material (GMS) was elucidated. The effect of CNE content (0–30 g 100 g⁻¹) on the physicochemical characteristic, oxidative stability and β-carotene remaining during cold storage (4 °C) was determined. The higher the CNE, the greater the a*, b* and redness index with the lower L*, and colour likeness score. CNE content had a little impact on the moisture content, a<inf>w</inf> and pH of sausages over storage period. However, the expressible drip, breaking force and deformation were largely influenced by the CNE content. All CNE-containing sausages displayed a superior oxidative stability to control. Among CNE-incorporated samples, the lowest lipid oxidation and β-carotene degradation were noticeable in the sausage with 10 g 100 g⁻¹ CNE. Thus, the CNE at 10 g 100 g⁻¹ was a promising functional colorant for emulsion sausage made from GMS.