Effect of full-fat soy paste and textured soy granules on quality and shelf-life of goat meat nuggets in frozen storage

Goat meat nuggets were prepared using commercially available textured soy granules and reduced beany flavour full-fat soy paste (FFSP) made by simple processing technology to compare the performance of these proteins in a comminuted meat system. Addition of soy proteins (soy paste and soy granules) did not significantly affect the product yield, pH, moisture and fat percentage whereas protein content and water holding capacity (% expressible water) were significantly (p > 0.05) lower in nuggets with 15% soy paste. Lower force was required to compress or shear the sample as hardness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness decreased in soy paste incorporated nuggets. Soy proteins either paste or granules, did not affect sensory attributes except flavour and overall acceptability. Nuggets with soy paste and control ones did not differ significantly for flavour and overall acceptability whereas nuggets with soy granules were rated significantly (p > 0.05) lower. The nuggets remained stable with minor changes in physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory quality during frozen storage (−18 ± 1 °C) for 90 days. It is concluded from this study that FFSP could be successfully incorporated in comminuted meat systems for producing quality products similar to commercially available soy granules.