What specific water-retaining agent, if absent from the ingredient list, generally signals a higher quality, less processed Alaska Pollock filet?

Answer

Sodium tripolyphosphate

When purchasing retail frozen pollock filets, consumers seeking the highest quality closer to the wild-caught state should meticulously examine the ingredient label for additives. Specifically, the presence of water-retaining agents indicates processing aimed at increasing weight and possibly masking dryness from freezing. Sodium tripolyphosphate is a common agent used to bind water within the fish muscle tissue. Although generally recognized as safe, its presence adds unwanted water weight and can subtly change the final texture. Therefore, fillets labeled simply as 'wild-caught Alaska Pollock' without sodium tripolyphosphate or other stabilizing ingredients suggest a cleaner product with superior inherent characteristics.

What specific water-retaining agent, if absent from the ingredient list, generally signals a higher quality, less processed Alaska Pollock filet?
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