Compositions and Methods for Producing Flavored Seasonings That Contain Reduced Quantities of Common Salt

Abstract

The present invention provides flavored seasoning compositions containing low-salt substitutes that reduce the quantify of common salt used to flavor foods. More specifically, the compositions contain (a) a flavored seasoning mixture comprising flavoring agents, and flow agents, bulking agents, binding agents and/or preservatives, and (b) a salt substitute containing potassium chloride and bitterness inhibitors taurine and 5′-adenosinic acid, 5′-inosinic acid and/or 5′-guanylic acid. Furthermore, the present invention provides foods containing these compositions, methods of using these compositions and methods for preparing them.

1 - 64 . (canceled) 
   
   
       65 . A composition comprising (a) a seasoning mixture comprising a flavoring agent and (b) a salt substitute, wherein said salt substitute comprises potassium chloride, taurine or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, and a 5′-nucleotide monophosphate, comprising 5′-adenosinic acid (AMP) or 5′-inosinic acid (IMP) or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof 
   
   
       66 . A composition according to  claim 65 , wherein said 5′-nucleotide monophosphate comprises AMP or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof. 
   
   
       67 . A composition according to  claim 65 , wherein said 5′-nucleotide monophosphate comprises IMP or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof. 
   
   
       68 . A method of reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake in the diet of an individual, comprising administering to said individual the composition of  claim 65 . 
   
   
       69 . A method of preparing the composition of  claim 65 , by mixing said salt substitute with said seasoning mixture. 
   
   
       70 . A method of preparing the composition of  claim 65 , comprising adding to a food the seasoning mixture, or individual ingredients thereof, and the salt substitute, or individual ingredients thereof. 
   
   
       71 . A composition comprising (a) a seasoning mixture comprising a cheese flavoring agent, a tangy flavoring agent, an alliaceous flavoring agent, a flow agent and a binding agent and (b) a salt substitute comprising potassium chloride, taurine, and a 5′-nucleotide monophosphate, comprising AMP, IMP, GMP, combinations thereof or physiologically acceptable salts thereof. 
   
   
       72 . A method of reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake in the diet of an individual, comprising administering to said individual the composition of  claim 71 . 
   
   
       73 . A method of preparing the composition of  claim 71 , by mixing said salt substitute with said seasoning mixture. 
   
   
       74 . A method of preparing the composition of  claim 71 , comprising adding to a food the seasoning mixture, or individual ingredients thereof, and the salt substitute, or individual ingredients thereof.