Development and sensory evaluation of Moringa oleifera–enriched snack bar for micronutrients deficiency in adolescents

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the sensitivity, texture, and nutritional quality of Moringa-enriched wheat bars to improve the nutritional status of the adolescent population. Moringa, which has gained a nutraceutical perspective from various pieces of research, is being incorporated into food product development. Moringa leaves from the “miracle tree,” a habitat of origin from South Asia, are enriched with macro- and micronutrients that combat both malnutrition and hidden hunger (micronutrient deficiency). The phytochemical properties of Moringa leaves, such as their antidiabetic, anticancer, antiulcer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, make them a superfood. Purpose: This study aimed to develop a snack bar incorporating Moringa flour that aligns with adolescents’ snacking preferences while also providing an adequate supply of iron. Materials and Methods: Moringa leaves were processed using the conventional method to obtain sieved, coarse Moringa leaf flour. Moringa oleifera snack bars were prepared at concentrations of 15% (M1), 10% (M2), and 5% (M3). The snack bar that shows high acceptability was subjected to nutritional evaluation to determine the specific iron content. Results: Organoleptic evaluation of M3, M2, and M1 by 24 semitrained personnel identified M3, at a 5% concentration, as the most acceptable. The nutritionally analyzed M3 M. oleifera snack bar contained protein (12.1 g), fiber (9.18 g), iron (10.1 g), magnesium (112 mg), calcium (345 mg), zinc (19.4 mg), and a good source of energy (447 kcal). Discussion: Moringa, as a nutraceutical agent, in addition to its average dietary value utilized in nutritional snack bar development, aids in health promotion and disease prevention among adolescents with unhealthy food habits, such as consuming junk food. Conclusion: The M. oleifera snack bar supplies the recommended dietary allowance of micronutrients and macronutrients and contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids.