Nut-enriched bread is an effective and acceptable vehicle to improve regular nut consumption.

Abstract

Consuming 30g of nuts/day is recommended to reduce chronic disease. However, nut consumption appears far from ideal among several populations. A potential strategy to increase consumption is to add nuts to a staple, for example, bread. Whether the health benefits and acceptability of nuts persist in this form is currently unknown. Thus, we examined the effects of consuming three nut-enriched breads on postprandial glycaemia, satiety, gastrointestinal tolerance, dietary intakes, and acceptance. In this controlled, crossover study, 32 participants were randomly allocated to receive one of four breads for 8days each. Three breads contained either 30g of finely sliced hazelnuts, 30g semi-defatted hazelnut flour, or 15g of each (amounts per 120g bread) and were compared with a control nut-free bread. Blood glucose response was measured over 120min, along with ratings of gastrointestinal discomfort. Appetite ratings and diet diaries were completed during each treatment period. Area under the blood glucose curve was significantly lower for the nut breads compared to the control bread (all P<0.001), with no significant differences between the nut breads (all P≥0.130). There were no significant differences in satiety (all P≥0.135) or gastrointestinal symptoms (all P≥0.102) between the breads. Acceptance was highest for the finely sliced hazelnut bread. Furthermore, consuming hazelnut-enriched bread improved diet quality, increasing monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, and dietary fibre intakes. Bread appears to be an effective and acceptable vehicle for increasing nut consumption, resulting in improved postprandial glycaemia and diet profiles. Long-term studies are now required.