PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a saltiness enhancer and a method for enhancing saltiness, achieving reduction in salt content in a food and beverage without spoiling the flavor of the food and beverage.SOLUTION: The saltiness enhancer includes an amino-carbonyl reactant between a peptide and a carbonyl compound, preferably between a peptide having a molecular weight of 1000 to 5000 and a carbonyl compound, and an organic acid. The organic acid of the saltiness enhancer may be succinic acid or malic acid. The method for enhancing saltiness includes adding the saltiness enhancer to a food and beverage, preferably to a salt-reduced food and beverage.COPYRIGHT: (C)2015,JPO&INPIT【課題】飲食品の風味を損なうことなく、飲食品の食塩の含有量を低減できる食塩味増強剤及び食塩味増強方法の提供。【解決手段】ペプチドとカルボニル化合物とのアミノ-カルボニル反応物、好ましくは分子量1000~5000のペプチドとカルボニル化合物とのアミノ-カルボニル反応物及び有機酸を含有する食塩味増強剤、有機酸がコハク酸又はリンゴ酸である前記食塩味増強剤、及び前記食塩味増強剤を飲食品、好ましくは減塩飲食品に添加する食塩味増強方法。【選択図】なし
