Nisin, as a natural, efficient, and safe food preservative, has been widely used in various food industries.
In the dairy industry, nisin plays a crucial role. For example, adding an appropriate amount to yogurt and fruit milk can significantly extend the shelf life of these products. Additionally, it can reduce the intensity of sterilization and slow down the process of non-enzymatic browning. Nisin is used in products such as re-sterilized milk and pasteurized milk. Its use not only enhances the safety of dairy products but also preserves their original taste and nutritional value.
Nisin is also widely applied in the meat industry. It can be found in both Chinese and Western meat products, such as roasted meats, ham, sandwiches, sausages, frankfurters, high-temperature ham sausages, chicken products, and marinated products. Nisin effectively inhibits Gram-positive bacteria that cause food spoilage, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium botulinum, thereby significantly extending the shelf life of these foods. Its use not only improves the hygienic quality of meat products but also preserves their freshness, flavor, and color.
In canned food products, nisin is also widely used. It reduces the intensity of heat treatment, thereby minimizing the loss of nutrients and improving the edible quality of the products. It is mainly used in some fruit and vegetable canned goods to lower the sterilization intensity, resulting in better texture and quality. Additionally, nisin can be used to extend the shelf life of ready-to-eat products like boxed lactone tofu.
Nisin is also applied in the beverage industry, where it inhibits the growth and reproduction of acid- and heat-resistant bacteria (such as Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris) to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life. Currently, it is used in fruit juice drinks, acetic acid beverages, aloe vera drinks, dairy-containing beverages, and health drinks (such as ginseng drinks and goji chrysanthemum beverages). The use of nisin not only enhances the hygienic quality of beverages but also maintains their original flavor and taste.
In addition to the aforementioned industries, nisin is also widely used in fish products, alcoholic beverages, condiments, brewing processes, baked goods, convenience foods, flavor bases, and spices, as well as in cosmetics. In these fields, nisin similarly plays an important role in preservation and freshness, enhancing both the safety and quality of products.
With its outstanding preservative effects and wide range of applications, nisin holds an irreplaceable position in the food industry.