Cheeses with reduced sodium content: Effects on functionality, public health benefits and sensory properties

The development of food products that may contribute to attenuate issues related to public health in a positive way is a challenge for the dairy industry. Due to its negative effects of salt on health, such as increase in blood pressure and decrease in calcium absorption, high intake of salt derived from food in industrialized nations is an important issue for the modern society. Considering that cheese consumption is increasing worldwide, importance should be given to reducing the contribution of salt as a sodium-carrier without affecting its consumption. Various types of cheese have been developed with reduced sodium content by decreasing NaCl or partial/total substitution of this salt with KCl, MgCl₂ and CaCl₂. The results are mostly positive; most variety of cheeses is acceptable, but at times there is a sour residual taste resulting from the substitution of NaCl. Further knowledge is necessary regarding the quality of cheese and levels of salt that is acceptable in the production of cheeses with reduced sodium content.