At SIAL Paris 2026, the world’s largest food industry exhibition, Nõo Lihatööstus will introduce functional sausages from its new product range. The first products presented to an international audience will be innovative hybrid hot dog sausages combining pork and pea protein. The products have been developed in cooperation with the Center of Food and Fermentation Technologies (TFTAK).
The super sausage contains half the fat and 25% less salt than a conventional sausage, is high in protein and vitamin D, and is a source of fibre. Designed primarily for restaurants and quick-service food outlets, the hot dog sausage range includes classic, garlic and herb, cheese, jalapeño, jalapeño and cheddar, and chilli and paprika varieties, with meat content reaching up to 81%. The sausages are smoked over alder wood, made using only natural seasonings, and contain no phosphates, flavour enhancer E621 or mechanically deboned meat (MDM).
“We wanted to create something the meat industry has yet to fully deliver: a sausage that tastes like the best hot dog while incorporating a healthier approach,” said Simmo Kruustük, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Nõo Lihatööstus. “For us, the super sausage is just the beginning. Further products based on the same technology are already in development.”
The development brings together TFTAK and Nõo Lihatööstus food technologist and leading chef Marko Kokmann. “The biggest challenge was reducing fat and salt without compromising taste or texture. The solution was a combination of pork and pea protein. We added fibre and vitamin D while avoiding phosphates and flavour enhancers altogether,” Kokmann explained. “The result is a juicy, flavourful super sausage with an ingredient profile that can satisfy even the most discerning athlete or child.”
TFTAK is an applied research centre based in Tallinn that helps food manufacturers develop new products and technologies. According to Kokmann, the collaboration began with several objectives. “Our main priority was to meet the needs of consumers looking for healthier alternatives to classic products. Equally important was changing the technology used to make traditional meat products so that they would become more nutritionally balanced while retaining their familiar taste, structure and mouthfeel,” he said.
“TFTAK provided us with strong scientific support throughout product development. We gained valuable expertise that we will continue to apply in production, offering consumers more healthier choices while meeting their taste preferences,” said Kokmann. “This kind of collaboration between science and industry helps Estonian food stand out internationally.”
According to Kokmann, the super sausage is more than simply a healthier choice. “These products could form a distinct subcategory: functional meat products. The recipes are designed so that, beyond their usual nutritional value, carefully selected ingredients support health. Every component is carefully chosen and of high quality. They are there to add meaningful value to the product,” he emphasised.
Each sausage weighs 75 grams and, depending on the variety, measures around 18 centimetres in length, making it an ideal fit for a classic hot dog bun. The sausages are intended primarily for street food concepts and quick-service food outlets, where consistent quality is essential. They are supplied deep-frozen in vacuum packs containing nine sausages.
“Our message in Paris is bold Nordic flavour for next-generation hot dogs,” said Kruustük. “We bring together Nordic food culture and today’s global flavour trends.”
Meeting buyers from around the world in Paris
Held every two years, SIAL Paris brings together approximately 8,000 exhibitors from 130 countries and nearly 300,000 visitors. The exhibition attracts leading manufacturers, importers, distributors and retail chains. This year, it takes place from 17 to 21 October.
Alongside its super sausages, Nõo Lihatööstus will showcase products for restaurants and hotels, as well as innovative meat snacks. “Two years ago, we attended SIAL with our snack range, which opened several new export opportunities for us,” said Kruustük. “This time, we are bringing an even bolder innovation, as European consumers increasingly seek food that is both tasty and healthy.”
Nõo Lihatööstus is one of Estonia’s leading domestic meat processors and has been named the country’s best family business. Employing more than 200 people, it is one of the most significant employers in Southern Estonia. Its portfolio includes over 400 meat products, and the company also exports to neighbouring countries. Nõo Lihatööstus is participating in SIAL under the coordination of the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce.
