Using binder in pepperoni or snack sticks

[jcohan]

For those of you who are the snack stick "pros", do you use a binder such as soy or milk protein?  I have found that other sausages I have made without a binder tend to be crumbly and I'm wondering if the same is true for pepperoni sticks.

[pensrock]

I do not because I have enough fat in the mix 80/20. I would think if you were making venison sticks and did not have enough fat to add then it may help but you will still need some fat or they will be very dry..

[jcohan]

I'm using 85% lean ground beef so I'll give it a try first without the binder and see how it works out.

Thanks

[pensrock]

I think you would be fine without it.  :)

[Roadking]

A binder keeps the fat content in place. So when cooked it will not run out and make your product dry or crumbly as you said. Just don't use too much or it will effect the taste.

[lumpy]

My snack sticks are 90/10 pork and I use soy protein.

Its worked for me.

Lumpy