Health authorities advocate the reduction of sodium intake because of its negative impact on health. The
effect of sodium reduction on the natural fermentation in sauerkraut was investigated in terms of quality
and safety. In addition to 15 g kg1 NaCl control [A], two alternative sodium reduction scenarios were
tested: [B] salt reduction (9 g kg1 NaCl), and [C] 40% partial sodium replacement (9 g kg1 NaCl, 4.5 g kg1
KCl, 0.75 g kg1 MgCl2, and 0.75 g kg1 CaCl2). Microbiological safety was similarly assured in all samples,
associated with low pH values (3.4e3.7) indicating an adequate lactic acid fermentation. PCR-DGGE and
cloning revealed differences in microbial flora between treatments during first weeks of fermentation.
Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides dominated [A], [B] and [C], while [C] showed additional
abundance of Lactobacillus paraplantarum and Lactobacillus curvatus. Treatment [B] did not meet industrial
criteria for good quality; texture was too soft compared with [A] and [C]. Sensory evaluation showed that
both [A] and [C] were equally acceptable as judged by an industrial panel for aroma, taste and texture.
Partially replacing sodium salt can successfully maintain high product quality, and thus offers a promising
approach to substantially reduce sodium in sauerkraut fermentation