In an era where health-conscious consumers are increasingly vigilant about their sodium intake, the food industry faces the formidable challenge of balancing flavor with nutritional improvements. Addressing this urgent concern, researchers have made a groundbreaking advancement in the development of low-sodium condiments, particularly focusing on mayonnaise—a staple in many diets worldwide. The pioneering study led by Lee et al. introduces a novel formulation of mayonnaise that leverages vegetable extracts and cutting-edge emulsion technology to significantly reduce sodium content without compromising taste or texture.
Mayonnaise, by its very nature, is a sodium-rich product due to its traditional ingredients and preparation methods. Excessive sodium consumption is linked to serious health issues such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and renal complications. Therefore, reducing sodium in widely consumed foods like mayonnaise represents a crucial stride towards public health improvement. The conventional approach to reducing sodium often results in diminished flavor and an unacceptable alteration in mouthfeel, causing consumer rejection. This new study circumvents these pitfalls through the innovative use of vegetable extracts combined with high internal phase double emulsions (HIPDEs).
Vegetable extracts have long been appreciated for their natural flavors and nutritional properties. However, their application in food formulation as a salt substitute has been limited by instability and flavor profile issues. The research team explored specific vegetable extracts that naturally contain compounds enhancing umami taste and overall flavor perception, which are vital in compensating for lower salt levels. By integrating these extracts into a specialized emulsion matrix, they ensured that the flavor-enhancing properties were effectively delivered throughout the mayonnaise product.
Central to this breakthrough is the use of high internal phase double emulsion technology—a sophisticated colloidal system where tiny droplets of one liquid are encapsulated within droplets of another, all dispersed within a continuous phase. This complex structure allows for the sequestration and controlled release of flavor and salt components, enhancing the sensory experience despite lower sodium content. The double emulsion not only mimics the traditional mouthfeel and creaminess of mayonnaise but also provides a sustained flavor release to counteract any blandness typically associated with salt reduction.
Comprehensive rheological analyses confirmed that the low-sodium mayonnaise maintained viscoelastic properties comparable to standard versions, ensuring an authentic texture that consumers expect. The study highlights that manipulating the internal phase volume and droplet size distribution crucially affects the spreadability and stability of the product. Here, the researchers optimized these parameters meticulously, resulting in a stable emulsion matrix resistant to phase separation over extended storage periods, a common challenge in low-sodium formulations.
Sensory evaluations were carried out using trained panels and consumer groups, revealing that the new low-sodium mayonnaise scored favorably not only in taste but also in appearance and overall acceptability. Participants noted that the vegetable extract imparted a subtle depth and complexity of flavor, which, when combined with the emulsion structure, compensated effectively for the reduced saltiness. The integration of umami compounds within the emulsion further enhanced flavor perception, aligning well with emerging trends in flavor science that aim to exploit synergistic taste interactions.
From a nutritional standpoint, the employment of natural vegetable extracts adds functional phytochemicals and antioxidants to the mayonnaise, potentially offering additional health benefits beyond sodium reduction. The study emphasizes the dual advantage of such incorporation by promoting wellness while reducing one of the most problematic dietary components. Importantly, the production process remains compatible with existing industrial mayonnaise manufacturing lines, ensuring the scalability and commercial viability of this innovative formulation.
Further experimentation demonstrated that the low-sodium mayonnaise exhibited superior oxidative stability compared to conventional variants, attributable to antioxidant agents present in the vegetable extracts. This aspect not only extends the product’s shelf life but also maintains its sensory qualities during storage, addressing another long-standing issue in condiment production. The authors suggest that the synergy between the double emulsion architecture and bioactive compounds contributes significantly to this enhanced stability.
The researchers also delved into cost analysis and concluded that the proposed formulation could be economically competitive. While the initial price of high-quality vegetable extracts may be a factor, the technological benefits and consumer health trends are likely to drive demand and justify the investment. The environmental impact is also positive, given the use of plant-based ingredients and reduced need for synthetic additives, aligning with sustainable food production paradigms.
Importantly, this work sets a precedent for applying advanced food colloid science to tackle public health challenges. The combination of molecular gastronomy principles and emulsion chemistry opens pathways for reformulating a wide array of food products beyond mayonnaise. The study suggests promising extensions into dressings, sauces, and spreads where salt reduction is similarly desired but difficult to achieve without quality loss.
Continued research is anticipated to explore long-term consumer acceptance across diverse demographics and to optimize the balance between flavor complexity and nutritional adequacy further. Additionally, investigations into the interactions between various vegetable extracts and emulsifier systems may yield even more robust recipes, potentially tailored for personalized nutrition.
In conclusion, the development of low-sodium mayonnaise utilizing vegetable extracts and high internal phase double emulsions constitutes a transformative leap in food science. This innovation simultaneously meets the growing demand for healthier food options and the uncompromising standards of taste and texture expected by consumers. By harnessing the power of natural ingredients and sophisticated emulsion technology, the researchers have effectively redefined what is possible in condiment formulation.
This study exemplifies the potential of interdisciplinary research, where food chemistry, nutrition science, and sensory analysis converge to address one of today’s most pressing dietary challenges. As governments and health organizations continue advocating for sodium reduction targets, such innovations provide tangible solutions capable of market adoption. The implications extend far beyond mayonnaise, signaling a future where healthier, tastier, and more sustainable food products emerge through scientific ingenuity.
The findings reported by Lee, H.G., Lee, J., Byeon, Y.M., and colleagues, published in Food Science and Biotechnology, offer a compelling template for food manufacturers worldwide. They highlight how embracing natural extracts and advanced emulsion systems can revolutionize traditional foods — preserving cherished flavors while enhancing health profiles. This research is poised to become a cornerstone in the global quest for nutrition-forward culinary experiences.
Subject of Research:
Article Title: Development of low-sodium mayonnaise using vegetable extract and high internal phase double emulsion.
Article References:
Lee, H.G., Lee, J., Byeon, Y.M. et al. Development of low-sodium mayonnaise using vegetable extract and high internal phase double emulsion. Food Sci Biotechnol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-025-01924-w
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-025-01924-w
