DESCRIZIONE
Provided are a meat additive and a pickling liquid for producing a processed meat product having an enhanced water retention capacity when heated and therefore having an excellent texture. More specifically, provided are a meat additive comprising at least water-soluble cellulose ether which turns into a gel when heated, a pickling liquid comprising the meat additive, and a meat processed product comprising the food additive. Also provided is a method for producing a processed meat product comprising at least the steps of: adding the meat additive or the pickling liquid to meat and heating the meat to which the meat additive or the pickling liquid has been added, at a gelling temperature or higher wherein the gelling temperature is of the water-soluble cellulose comprised by the meat additive or pickling liquid.