The Role of Factors Affecting the Formation of Taste and Aroma of Meat Products (Review, Part 2)
https://doi.org/10.32634/0869-8155-2026-404-03-101-114
Abstract
Relevance. This review presents information on the formation of some of the organoleptic characteristics of meat — flavor and aroma. Understanding meat flavor is crucial for improving its quality during meat and meat product production, and its analysis should be based on comprehensive chemical studies to identify the various factors influencing meat composition, formation, and development.
Methods. A search for potentially relevant articles was conducted using keywords in Russian and foreign language electronic databases.
Results. Cooked meat contains a complex mixture of volatile compounds derived from both fat-soluble and water-soluble components. These compounds impart flavor to thermally processed meat, as well as the characteristic meat aromas inherent in any cooked meat. Innovative non-thermal processing technologies (ohmic heating, ultrasound, high hydrostatic pressure) of meat products offer promising potential for improving flavor, reducing processing time, and preserving products with low salt content. Meat flavor depends on the animal species, sex, age, feed, and processing method, and in this regard, flavor is one of the representative indicators of meat quality.
Keywords
About the Authors
N. V. GorbunovaRussian Federation
Natalia Anatolyevna Gorbunova, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Scientific Secretary
26 Talalikhin st., Moscow, 109316
M. B. Rebezov
Russian Federation
Maksim Borisovich Rebezov, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor, Chief Researcher
26 Talalikhin st., Moscow, 109316
M. I. Baburina
Russian Federation
Marina Ivanovna Baburina, Candidate of biological sciences, leading research scientist
26 Talalikhin st., Moscow, 109316
References
1. Kerth C.R., Miller R.K. Beef flavor: a review from chemistry to consumer. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2015; 95(14): 2783–2798.https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.7204
2. Jayasena D.D., Ahn D.U., Nam K.C., Jo C. Flavour Chemistry of Chicken Meat: A Review. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2013; 26(5): 732–742.http://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.2012.12619
3. Mottram D.S. Flavour formation in meat and meat products: a review. Food Chemistry. 1998; 62(4): 415–424.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0308-8146(98)00076-4
4. Flament I., Kohler M., Aschiero R. Identification of alkyl-5H-6,7dihydrococyclopenta[b]pyrazines in roasted meat flavor. Model reaction used as basis for natural product formation and new synthesis. Helvetica Chimica Acta. 1976; 59(7): 2308–2313 (in French).https://doi.org/10.1002/hlca.19760590703
5. Kosowska M., Majcher M.A., Fortuna T. Volatile compounds in meat and meat products. Food Science and Technology. 2017; 37(1): 1–7.https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-457X.08416
6. Sohail A. et al. Aroma compounds identified in cooked meat: A review. Food Research International. 2022; 157: 111385.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111385
7. Specht K., Baltes W. Identification of Volatile Flavor Compounds with High Aroma Values from Shallow-Fried Beef. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 1994, 42(10): 2246–2253.https://doi.org/10.1021/jf00046a031
8. Wang Y.-R., Luo R.-M., Wang S.-L. Water distribution and key aroma compounds in the process of beef roasting. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2022; 9: 978622.https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.978622
9. Liu H., Ma J., Pan T., Suleman R., Wang Z., Zhang D. Effects of roasting by charcoal, electric, microwave and superheated steam methods on (non)volatile compounds in oyster cuts of roasted lamb. Meat Science. 2021; 172: 108324.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2020.108324
10. Aliani M., Farmer L.J. Precursors of Chicken Flavor. II. Identification of Key Flavor Precursors Using Sensory Methods. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2005; 53(16): 6455–6462.https://doi.org/10.1021/jf050087d
11. Kerler J., Grosch W. Character impact odorants of boiled chicken: changes during refrigerated storage and reheating. Zeitschrift für Lebensmitteluntersuchung und -Forschung A. 1997; 205(3): 232–238.https://doi.org/10.1007/s002170050157
12. Chen J., Ho C.-T. The flavour of pork. Shahidi F. (ed.). Flavor of Meat, Meat Products and Seafoods. London: Blackie Academic & Professional. 1998; 61–83.
13. Ma Q. et al. Effect of chilled and freezing pre-treatments prior to pulsed electric field processing on volatile profile and sensory attributes of cooked lamb meats. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies. 2016; 37(C): 359–374.http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2016.04.009
14. Liu H. et al. Characterization of Key Aroma Compounds in Beijing Roasted Duck by Gas Chromatography–Olfactometry–Mass Spectrometry, Odor-Activity Values, and Aroma-Recombination Experiments. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2019; 67(20): 5847–5856.https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.9b01564
15. Du W., Zhen D., Wang Y., Cheng J., Xie J. Characterization of the key odorants in grilled mutton shashlik with or without suet brushing during grilling. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. 2020; 36(1): 111–120.https://doi.org/10.1002/ffj.3621
16. Qi S., Wang P., Zhan P., Tian H. Characterization of key aroma compounds in stewed mutton (goat meat) added with thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) based on the combination of instrumental analysis and sensory verification. Food Chemistry. 2022; 371: 131111.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131111
17. Choi H.-S. et al. Effect of Chicory Fiber and Smoking on Quality Characteristics of Restructured Sausages. Food Science of Animal Resources. 2016; 36(1): 131–136.https://doi.org/10.5851/kosfa.2016.36.1.131
18. Tornberg E. Effects of heat on meat proteins — Implications on structure and quality of meat products. Meat Science. 2005; 70(3): 493–508.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2004.11.021
19. Domínguez R., Gómez M., Fonseca S., Lorenzo J.M. Effect of different cooking methods on lipid oxidation and formation of volatile compounds in foal meat. Meat Science. 2014; 97(2): 223–230.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2014.01.023
20. Liem D.G., Miremadi F., Keast R.S.J. Reducing Sodium in Foods: The Effect on Flavor. Nutrients. 2011; 3(6): 694–711.https://doi.org/10.3390/nu3060694
21. Sarap B. The Impact of Various Aroma Compounds on the Perception of Saltiness in Foods. Bachelor thesis. Tallinn. 2025; 42.
22. Breslin P.A.S. An evolutionary perspective on food and human taste. Current Biology. 2013; 23(9): R409–R418.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2013.04.010
23. Desmond E. Reducing salt: A challenge for the meat industry. Meat Science. 2006; 74(1): 188–196.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2006.04.014
24. Liu S., Gu Y., Zheng R., Sun B., Zhang L., Zhang Y. Progress in Multisensory Synergistic Salt Reduction. Foods. 2024; 13(11): 1659.https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111659
25. Pereira T., Barroso S., Gil M.M. Food Texture Design by 3D Printing: A Review. Foods. 2021; 10(2): 320.https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020320
26. Salles C. Odour-taste interactions in flavour perception. Voilley A., Etiévant P. (eds.). Flavour in Food. Woodhead Publishing. 2006; 345–368.https://doi.org/10.1533/9781845691400.3.345
27. Syarifuddin A., Septier C., Salles C., Thomas-Danguin T. Reducing Sodium Content in Cheeses While Increasing Salty Taste and Fat Perception Using Aroma. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2022; 9: 873427.https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.873427
28. Stevenson R.J., Prescott J., Boakes R.A. The acquisition of taste properties by odors. Learning and Motivation. 1995; 26(4): 433–455.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0023-9690(05)80006-2
29. Nasri N., Beno N., Septier C., Salles C., Thomas-Danguin T. Cross-modal interactions between taste and smell: Odour-induced saltiness enhancement depends on salt level. Food Quality and Preference. 2011; 22(7): 678–682.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2011.05.001
30. Hou J., Huang J., Huang T., Guo X., Huang M. Global trends and challenges in salt reduction: Exploring odor-induced saltiness enhancement as a strategy to reduce salt intake. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 2025; 160: 105030.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105030
31. Sinding C., Thibault H., Hummel T., Thomas-Danguin T. OdorInduced Saltiness Enhancement: Insights Into The Brain Chronometry Of Flavor Perception. Neuroscience. 2021; 452: 126–137.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.10.029
32. Shen D. et al. Reduction of sodium chloride: A review. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2022; 102(10): 3931–3939.https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.11859
33. Ji H. et al. Effectively saltiness enhanced odorants screening and prediction by database establish, sensory evaluation and deep learning method. Food Chemistry. 2025; 467: 142307.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.142307
34. Zhou T., Feng Y., Thomas-Danguin T., Zhao M. Enhancement of saltiness perception by odorants selected from Chinese soy sauce: A gas chromatography/olfactometry-associated taste study. Food Chemistry. 2021; 335: 127664.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.127664
35. Pu D. et al. Decoding of the enhancement of saltiness perception by aroma-active compounds during Hunan Larou (smoke-cured bacon) oral processing. Food Chemistry. 2025; 463(1): 141029.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141029
36. Kwon G.Y., Hong J.H., Kim Y.S., Lee S.M., Kim K.O. Sensory Characteristics and Consumer Acceptability of Beef Stock Containing Glutathione Maillard Reaction Products Prepared at Various Conditions. Journal of Food Science. 2011; 76(1): S1–S7.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2010.01946.x
37. Sañudo C. et al. Fatty acid composition and sensory characteristics of lamb carcasses from Britain and Spain. Meat Science. 2000; 54(4): 339–346.http://doi.org/10.1016/s0309-1740(99)00108-4
38. Ramarathnam N., Rubin L.J., Diosady L.L. Studies on meat flavor. 3. A novel method for trapping volatile components from uncured and cured pork. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 1993; 41(6): 933–938.http://doi.org/10.1021/jf00030a019
39. Luna G., Aparicio R., García-González D.L. A tentative characterization of white dry-cured hams from Teruel (Spain) by SPME-GC. Food Chemistry. 2006; 97(4): 621–630.http://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.05.039
40. García-González D.L., Tena N., Aparicio-Ruiz R., Morales M.T. Relationship between sensory attributes and volatile compounds qualifying dry-cured hams. Meat Science. 2008; 80(2): 315–325.http://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2007.12.015
41. Söllner K., Schieberle P. Decoding the Key Aroma Compounds of a Hungarian-Type Salami by Molecular Sensory Science Approaches. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2009; 57(10): 4319–4327.http://doi.org/10.1021/jf900402e
42. Dou L. et al. Effects of oxidative stability variation on lamb meat quality and flavor during postmortem aging. Journal of Food Science. 2022; 87(6): 2578–2594.https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.16138
43. Liu H. et al. A lipidomic and volatilomic approach to map the lipid profile and related volatile compounds in roasted quail meat using circulating non-fried roast technology. Food Chemistry. 2024; 461: 140948.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140948
44. Afzal A. et al. The chemistry of flavor formation in meat and meat products in response to different thermal and non-thermal processing techniques: An overview. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation. 2022; 46: e16847.https://doi.org/10.1111/jfpp.16847
45. Hernández-Hernández H.M., Moreno-Vilet L., Villanueva-Rodríguez S.J. Current status of emerging food processing technologies in Latin America: Novel non-thermal processing. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies. 2019; 58: 102233.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2019.102233
46. Zhang Z.-H., Wang L.-H., Zeng X.-A., Han Z., Brennan C.S. Non-thermal technologies and its current and future application in the food industry: a review. International Journal of Food Science and Technology. 2019; 54(1): 1–13.https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.13903
47. Khan M.I., Jo C., Tari M.R. Meat flavor precursors and factors influencing flavor precursors—A systematic review. Meat Science. 2015; 110: 278–284.http://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2015.08.002
48. Tornberg E. Engineering processes in meat products and how they influence their biophysical properties. Meat Science. 2013; 95(4): 871–878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2013.04.053
49. Yildiz-Turp G., Sengun I.Y., Kendirci P., Icier F. Effect of ohmic treatment on quality characteristic of meat: A review. Meat Science. 2013; 93(3): 441–448.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2012.10.013
50. Turp G.Y., Icier F., Kor G. Influence of infrared final cooking on color, texture and cooking characteristics of ohmically pre-cooked meatball. Meat Science. 2016; 114: 46–53.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2015.12.006
51. Hayman M.M., Baxter I., O’riordan P.J., Stewart C.M. Effects of High-Pressure Processing on the Safety, Quality, and Shelf Life of Ready-to-Eat Meats. Journal of Food Protection. 2004; 67(8): 1709–1718.https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x-67.8.1709
52. Kruk Z.A., Yun H., Rutley D.L., Lee E.J., Kim Y.J., Jo. C. The effect of high pressure on microbial population, meat quality and sensory characteristics of chicken breast fillet. Food Control. 2011; 22(1): 6–12.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2010.06.003
53. Cheah P.B., Ledward D.A. High pressure effects on lipid oxidation in minced pork. Meat Science. 1996; 43(2): 123–134.https://doi.org/10.1016/0309-1740(96)84584-0
54. Schindler S., Krings U., Berger R.G., Orlien V. Aroma development in high pressure treated beef and chicken meat compared to raw and heat treated. Meat Science. 2010; 86(2): 317–323.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2010.04.036
55. Patterson R.L.S., Stevenson M.H. Irradiation-induced off-odor in chicken and its possible control. British Poultry Science. 1995; 36(3): 425–441.https://doi.org/10.1080/00071669508417789
56. Rababah T., Hettiarachchy N.S., Horax R., Cho M.J., Davis B., Dickson J. Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances and Volatile Compounds in Chicken Breast Meat Infused with Plant Extracts and Subjected to Electron Beam Irradiation. Poultry Science. 2006; 85(6): 1107–1113.https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/85.6.1107
57. Gorraiz C., Beriain M.J., Chasco J., Insausti K. Effect of Aging Time on Volatile Compounds, Odor, and Flavor of Cooked Beef from Pirenaica and Friesian Bulls and Heifers. Journal of Food Science. 2002; 67(3): 916–922.http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2002.tb09428.x
58. Arshad M.S. et al. Ruminant meat flavor influenced by different factors with special reference to fatty acids. Lipids in Health and Disease. 2018; 17: 223.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12944-018-0860-z
59. Jayasena D.D., Nam K.C., Kim J.J., Ahn H., Jo C. Association of carcass weight with quality and functional properties of beef from Hanwoo steers. Animal Production Science. 2015;55(5): 680–690.https://doi.org/10.1071/AN13411
60. Jaborek J.R., Zerby H.N., Wick M.P., Fluharty F.L., Moeller S.J. Effect of energy source and level, animal age, and sex on the flavor profile of sheep meat. Translational Animal Science. 2020; 4(2): 1140–1147.https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txaa081
61. Wood J.D. et al. Fat deposition, fatty acid composition and meat quality: A review. Meat Science. 2008; 78(4): 343–358.http://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2007.07.019
62. Dorohin N.A. Quality characteristics of broiler chicken meat and their influencing factors: an overview. Agricultural journal. 2020; (5): 59–64 (in Russian).EDN ZTIYGU
63. Elmore J.S., Warren H.E., Mottram D.S., Scollan N.D., Enser M., Richardson R.I., Wood J.D. A comparison of the aroma volatiles and fatty acid compositions of grilled beef muscle from Aberdeen Angus and Holstein-Friesian steers fed diets based on silage or concentrates. Meat Science. 2004; 68(1): 27–33.http://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2004.01.010
64. Watkins P.J., Frank D., Singh T.K., Young O.A., Warner R.D. Sheepmeat Flavor and the Effect of Different Feeding Systems: A Review. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.2013; 61(15): 3561–3579.https://doi.org/10.1021/jf303768e
65. Horsted K., Allesen-Holm B.H., Hermansen J.E., Kongsted A.G. Sensory profiles of breast meat from broilers reared in an organic niche production system and conventional standard broilers. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2012; 92(2): 258–265.http://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.4569
66. Sivadier G., Ratel J., Engel E. Persistence of pasture feeding volatile biomarkers in lamb fats. Food Chemistry. 2010; 118(2): 418–425.http://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2009.02.088
67. Kostecka M., Łobacz M. Lipids of chicken meat — invaluable fat. Part I. Characteristics of chicken fat and selected modification methods. Advances in Food Processing Technology. 2009; 1: 98–103 (in Polish).
68. Sandul P.A., Goridovets E.V. Lipid composition and physicochemical features of broiler chicken meat at feeding of tocopherols. Actual problems of intensive development of animal husbandry. Collection of papers based on the materials of the national scientific and practical conference with international participation, dedicated to the memory of Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Honored Worker of the Higher School of
69. the Russian Federation, Honorary Worker of Higher Professional Education of the Russian Federation, Honorary Citizen of the Bryansk Region E.P. Vashchekin. Bryansk: Bryansk State Agrarian University. 2022; 1: 179–184 (in Russian).EDN UBKELR
70. Temiraev R.B., Tsogoeva F.N., Baeva A.A., Kozhokov M.K., Aramisov A.M., Pilov A.Kh. Sodium selenite, tocoferol and probiotic affect on the antioxidant status of the agricultural poultry. Scientific Journal of KubSAU. 2013; 87: 376–385 (in Russian).EDN RCEVIH
71. Maślanko W., Pisarski R.K. The effect of herbs on the share of abdominal fat and its fatty acid profile in broiler chickens. Annales UMCS, Zootechnica. 2009; 27(3): 28–34.http://doi.org/10.2478/v10083-009-0013-y
72. Wojtasik-Kalinowska I. et al. Volatile compounds and fatty acids profile in Longissimus dorsi muscle from pigs fed with feed containing bioactive components. LWT - Food Science and Technology. 2016; 67: 112–117.http://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2015.11.023
73. Sato M. et al. Study on factors related to beef quality—On the flavor and umami taste of Japanese Black cattle branded beef. Animal Science and Technology. 1995; 66(3): 274–282 (in Japanese).
74. Legako J.F. et al. Consumer palatability scores and volatile beef flavor compounds of five USDA quality grades and four muscles. Meat Science. 2015; 100: 291–300.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2014.10.026
75. Castellini C., Berri C., Le Bihan-Duval E., Martino G. Qualitative attributes and consumer perception of organic and free-range poultry meat. World’s Poultry Science Journal. 2008; 64(4): 500–512.http://doi.org/10.1017/S0043933908000172
76. Wulf D.M., Emnett R.S., Leheska J.M., Moeller S.J. Relationships among glycolytic potential, dark cutting (dark, firm, and dry) beef, and cooked beef palatability. Journal of Animal Science. 2002; 80(7): 1895–1903.https://doi.org/10.2527/2002.8071895x
77. Lyapin O.A., Torshkov A.A., Taiguzin R.Sh., Lyapina V.O. Stress correction and its effect on beef qualities of steers kept under conditions of intensive technology. Izvestia Orenburg State Agrarian University. 2020; (5): 196–201 (in Russian).EDN UTUYFE
78. Gorbunova N.A., Rebezov M.B., Baburina M.I. The Role of Factors Affecting the Formation of Taste and Aroma of Meat Products (review, part 1). Agrarian science. 2026; 403(02): 135–148 (in Russian).https://doi.org/10.32634/0869-8155-2026-403-02-135-148
Review
For citations:
Gorbunova N.V., Rebezov M.B., Baburina M.I. The Role of Factors Affecting the Formation of Taste and Aroma of Meat Products (Review, Part 2). Agrarian science. 2026;(3):101-114. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.32634/0869-8155-2026-404-03-101-114
JATS XML


































