Deep-frying generated less acrylamide in shrimp chips than
did microwave-puffing; in fact, acrylamide levels in deep-fried
puffed shrimp chips were undetectable. Calcium lactate at a
concentration of 0.1% significantly reduced acrylamide formation
in overfried chips. Calcium citrate can decrease water
activity, thereby increasing the calcium content of puffed
shrimp chips. Furthermore, the reducing sugar content in
shrimp chips initially increased with the addition of calcium
ions but gradually decreased when more calcium salts were added. Calcium fortification also produced lighter-colored
shrimp chips. The formation of acrylamide showed a positive
correlation with reducing sugar concentration in calcium lactateefortified
chips. The most effective was 0.1% calcium
lactate, which reduced acrylamide formation by 100%, but 0.5%
and 1% calcium lactate could worsen sensory acceptability for
puffed shrimp chips. Therefore, supplementation with calcium
salts should not be the top choice for the puffed shrimp
chips processing industry. Instead, avoiding overcooking is a
more effective way of preventing acrylamide formation.