Nutri-Snack Bar Incorporated with Watermelon Seed Powder

Abstract

The Nutri snack bar is highly beneficial, made with natural ingredients like watermelon and pumpkin seeds as well as black raisins and figs. The major component, black raisins, is high in fiber and supports gut health. It also contains polyphenols, which lower the body's absorption of cholesterol. Figs are high in calories, proteins, calcium, iron and fiber. Protein, fiber, beneficial fats and antioxidants may all be found in abundance in seeds. This can be consumed by all age groups and especially children. A sensory and nutritional analysis was done as part of the research to create a nutri-snack bar enhanced with powdered watermelon seeds. Watermelon seed powder was added in increments of 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% to create four different treatments. The chemical composition of nutri-snack bar was analysed and recorded. The proximate analysis for energy, ash, protein and fat content has shown the incremental values by the addition of watermelon seed powder i.e., 230 to 407gms, 2.2 to 2.62%, 6.3 to 16.14 gms and 9.78 to 25.39 gms respectively. The minerals includes calcium and iron ranged from 88.9 to 94.9 mg and 4.14 to 6.06 mg. Thiamine and riboflavin content ranges from 0.086 to 0.125mg and 0.041 to 0.156. The sensory analysis showed variations in colour, flavour, texture, taste and overall acceptability. The treatment 2 was found to be the most preferable by the panellists.