Evaluating the Quality and Shelf Life Attributes of a Multicomponent Meat Product (2)

Nutrition and energy bars that use meat as the major protein source combined with fruits, nuts, vitamins, minerals or other functional ingredients are considered intermediate moisture meat products since their water activity (aw) is lowered by either processing or ingredients or both. These products may provide a reasonably priced nutrient dense food for populations with less than desirable food security (lack of refrigeration). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the shelf life quality attributes of a shelf stable multicomponent meat product exposed to high temperature storage conditions.