Healthy Snacks Research Articles

Utilization and Effectiveness of Agro-industrial Digital Marketing in Malang Raya

In the digital era, the agro-industrial sector has transitioned from conventional marketing to digital marketing. One of the agro-industry companies in Malang Raya, ALE, focuses on processing fruits and vegetables into healthy snack chips. The company engages in various digital marketing activities, including sales through e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Tokopedia, and Lazada, and promotional efforts on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This research aims to analyze (1) the utilization of digital marketing, and (2) the effectiveness of social media promotion based on engagement rates. The study employs both primary and secondary data, incorporating qualitative and quantitative forms, which are analyzed descriptively using a case study approach. Data collection methods include interviews, observation, and content analysis. The findings highlight the advantages of e-commerce channels, sales strategies like bundling and live streaming on e-commerce platforms, and storytelling and sales promotion strategies on social media. Additionally, the engagement rates on ALE's TikTok (12.71%) and Instagram (4.50%) indicate a high engagement rate level, with values exceeding the 2.72% benchmark, demonstrating the strong effectiveness of these platforms as promotional tools for the company.

Intervention on Anemia prevention among adolescent girls: A quasi-experimental study on providing meatballs chips modified to increase hemoglobin levels

Adolescent girls are at higher risk of anemia due to menstrual cycle, with iron deficiency from daily food intake being the most common cause. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of fried meatballs modified with a combination of local ingredients, such as chicken liver flour, moringa oleifera leaves, soybean tempeh flour, and mackerel fish, abbreviated as Tioek chips, on changes in haemoglobin levels on adolescent girls in Kupang City and Kupang Regency. The results show that foods modified with nutritious local ingredients such as Tioek chips can be classified as an affordable and delicious alternative to healthy snacks to prevent anemia.

Food and nutrition literacy in Austria - results of a representative study

Abstract Background A healthy diet is a key factor in people’s long-term health. The nutritional health literacy and food literacy of the population play a crucial role in this. In 2021, comprehensive data on these competences were collected for the first time in Austria. Methods Almost 3,000 people were surveyed online. Nutrition health literacy was assessed with the newly developed Nutrition Health Literacy Scale (NHLS) and food literacy with the Self-Perceived Food Literacy Scale Short-Form (SPFL-SF). Scores and subscores were calculated. Associations between socio-demographic and socio-economic factors and the competences surveyed were assessed using t-tests, variance analysis, correlations, and multivariate regression models. Results In terms of nutritional health literacy, respondents score an average of 60 out of 100 points, with judging (51 points) and applying (60 points) nutritional information being the most difficult. In the area of food literacy, respondents score an average of 62 out of 100 points. The most challenging areas are ‘healthier choices’ (44 points), ‘healthy snacking’ (52 points) and ‘healthy eating in exceptional circumstances’ (54 points). In both areas, men and people with less formal education score lower. In the case of nutritional health literacy, people aged 65 and over have greater difficulties. Conversely, this group performs better in the area of food literacy. Differences by income can only be seen for nutritional health literacy, to the detriment of low-income groups. Conclusions Possible options for action include the provision of quality-assured and target-group-specific information, the implementation of appropriate tools to facilitate the assessment of foods, and measures to strengthen assessment skills, digital health literacy, food and nutrition skills. Key messages • The survey showed that there is potential for improvement in both nutritional health literacy and food literacy. • The biggest challenge is to evaluate and use nutritional information and to stick to a healthy diet without making exceptions.

PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT MELALUI PENGOLAHAN TOMAT MENJADI DODOL DI DESA LENDANG NANGKA KECAMATAN MASBAGIK KABUPATEN LOMBOK TIMUR

The high rate of Indonesian people's appetite for snacks demands the production of snacks that comply with SNI, have good quality and are healthy. Tomatoes are one of the fruits that contain various nutrients and antioxidants that are needed by the body. Tomatoes can be processed into a variety of healthy and quality snack products including tomato dodol. The purpose of this community service activity is to improve community skills in processing dodol as a healthy snack made from tomatoes, while overcoming the problem of excessive tomato production in Lendang Nangka Village. The method used in this service is an action research approach combined with socialization of training in processing and packaging tomato dodol to the community in Lendang Nangka Village, Masbagik District, East Lombok Regency. The socialization and training of tomato dodol processing received enthusiasm and good attention from the women members of KWT and members of youth organizations.

Quinoa sourdough fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRL 1964, a powerful tool to enhance the nutritional features of quinoa snacks.

The remarkable nutritional attributes and potential health advantages of quinoa make it an important candidate for developing innovative ready-to-eat food products. This work aimed to develop a functional ready-to-eat snack based on quinoa sourdough fermented by Lactiplantibacillus (L.) plantarum CRL 1964. Phytate, phosphates, and soluble mineral content (Fe, Mn, Zn, Mg, Ca, and P) were determined in snacks formulated with sourdough and control doughs. An in vitro digestion model was performed on quinoa snacks to assess their mineral bioaccessibility and dialyzability. Phytate content was significantly lower (ca. 42.3%) while phosphates were higher (ca. eightfold) in quinoa-based sourdough and sourdough-based snacks (S1964) than in controls. Soluble minerals were higher (10.2%-32.0%) in S1964 than in controls. Mineral bioaccessibility and mineral dialyzability were also higher (ca. 24.5%) among S1964 and control snacks. The developed quinoa snack made from sourdough fermented by L. plantarum CRL 1964 had less phytate concentration and high bioaccessibility of minerals. These findings underscore the relevance of this innovative technology in creating food products that are not only highly nutritious but also represent a valuable contribution to the market of healthy foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this study, a novel snack based on quinoa sourdough with improved nutritional properties was developed. The addition of quinoa sourdough fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRL 1964 to the preparation of quinoa snacks resulted in a product with a lower concentration of phytate and a higher content of phosphates and minerals (soluble, bioaccessible, and dialyzable). These results underline the efficacy of the new snack as a promising alternative to conventional mineral fortification methods. This innovative approach holds promise for addressing nutritional deficiencies and the demand for healthy snack options in today's market.

Be Picky: Using communication design to create a brand identity, which is designed to educate young female adults on gut health.

Using communication design to create a brand identity, which is designed to educate young female adults on gut health and encourage healthier eating. Be Picky is a healthy snack option that advocates for good gut health, by educating and encouraging consumers to make healthier food choices, all while healing their gut. In recent years, studies have shown there to be an evident decline in human gut health, due to the decrease in probiotic-rich foods present in our diets. This leads to poor life quality and a series of other health implications. However, this can be prevented with an increased intake of good bacterias and probiotics, commonly found in fermented foods such as pickles. Using digital illustration, linocut and branding exploration through communication design to create a pickle brand made to benefit your gut health, tailored to appeal to the younger female audience. This project heavily relates to my own experiences regarding gut health, and how a solution like this would greatly improve the quality of life for so many, by motivating others to improve and maintain a healthy gut.

Behavioral Design Strategies Improve Healthy Food Sales in a Military Cafeteria.

This study examined the use of behavioral design strategies to improve healthier food sales. A quasi-experimental, one-group, repeated measures design examined changes in food sales following behavioral design adjustments. United States military base hospital dining facility. U.S. military service members, retirees, and civilian employees. Behavioral design changes included placement, layout, messaging, default healthy bundling, a stoplight rating system, strategic positioning of healthy items on menu boards, and an increase in healthier snacks. Food sales were assessed by point-of-sales data. T-tests examined total sales of each food adjusted weekly between baseline and intervention and intervention and post-intervention. 16 food items targeted by the intervention were examined. Weekly food sales were calculated for the 18-week baseline, 18-week intervention, and 9-week post-intervention. Further, analysis estimated negative binomial models for food item sales. The hospital dining facility served 600 to 900 meals per day. Weekly foods sales decreased during the intervention for desserts, cooked starches, hummus, and yogurt (P < 0.01). Sales increased during the intervention for fruit cups, cooked vegetables, vegetable and turkey burgers, grilled chicken, packaged salads, French fries, hamburgers, and hot dogs (P < 0.02). This study demonstrates that a mixture of behavioral design strategies can be operationalized with reasonable fidelity and can lead to increases in the sales of some healthy foods in military worksites.

Barriers and facilitators to healthy eating during post-partum among non-Hispanic Black mothers.

Maternal diet is a key predictor of child diet, yet an in-depth inquiry into the barriers and facilitators for the adoption of healthy eating behaviours during the post-partum period is lacking, specifically for non-Hispanic Black mothers. This study used qualitative research methods to investigate healthy eating practices among a sample of non-Hispanic Black mothers participating in a family-based obesity prevention intervention. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 mothers who participated in the Mothers and Others: Family-based Obesity Prevention for Infants and Toddlers intervention trial. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A deductive and inductive process was used to develop a consensus codebook; once the data were coded, matrices were developed to explore the data and identify similarities and differences between respondents. Relevant themes were identified, and salient quotes were used to illustrate each theme. Mothers believed that time and taste were significant barriers to eating healthy. Social influence and social support had both positive and negative influences on mothers' ability to adopt healthy eating behaviours. Despite their children often being a facilitator to healthy eating, many mothers struggled with finding the time, energy and desire to focus on themselves when it came to healthy eating. Many mothers were intent on preparing healthy meals and snacks for their children but did not prepare them for themselves. Future interventions should focus on the importance of role-modelling healthy eating behaviours for their children and include behaviour change strategies that incorporate skill-building activities emphasizing time-saving methods for planning and preparing healthy meals and snacks for the whole family to eat.

Could Snacks Based on Lupin Be a Nutritious Treat? A Point of View.

This viewpoint article presents an opinion about snacks made with lupin species. The nutritional quality of cereal-based snacks increased significantly when lupin was added. For instance, the protein and fibre content of lupin snacks could be as high as 55.7% and 8.3% respectively, soluble fibre as high as 61.2% of total fibre, and protein digestibility close to that of casein. As for sensory evaluation, some lupin snacks were ranked even better than controls. Moreover, some lupin snacks had similar or improved rheological behaviour with respect to controls. For instance, expansion indices of 11 versus 3 for controls. In summary, by adjusting formula and processing conditions, it is possible to obtain, at the same time, a healthy and tasty snack with very good machinability and rheological behaviour. This could improve the image and concept of snacks by providing an excellent opportunity for improving the diet quality of habitual consumers of snacks. This point of view also provides suggestions for improving the nutritional, rheological, and sensory evaluation of lupin snacks.

Co-Creation and Implementation of a Healthy Snacks Policy in Primary Schools: Data from Sintra Grows Healthy.

Policy interventions in the school food environment can improve dietary behaviors. However, the literature describing its development and implementation is scarce. This manuscript aims to describe the process of co-creation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of a Healthy Snacks Policy, in the scope of Sintra Grows Healthy intervention. Through a community-based participatory research methodology, the co-creation of the Healthy Snacks Policy comprises six stages: snacks evaluation, feedback sessions, class assemblies, school community assemblies, school cluster policy approval, and process evaluation. Within one school year, a Healthy Snacks Policy was co-created, approved, incorporated in the school regulations, implemented, continuously monitored, and evaluated. Regarding snacks evaluation, 1900 snacks were evaluated at the beginning of the school year and 1079 at the end of the school year. There were three feedback sessions, twenty-two class assemblies, and three school community assemblies. Most teachers perceived that children began to consume healthier snacks (72%); 66% of the children were considered to have started eating healthier; and most families said "yes or sometimes" when asked whether their children started requesting healthier snacks (70%), trying new foods (63%), and noticing improvements in their eating habits (74%). The co-creation of a Healthy Snacks Policy establishes an approach to effectively implement existing guidelines for school food supplies, complying with national priority implementation recommendations.

Mechanism governing textural changes of low-moisture tofu induced by NaCl addition in soymilk

This study aimed to investigate the impact of NaCl (0 – 1 g/100 mL) on the textural properties of calcium-coagulated low-moisture tofu (LM-tofu) and explore the underlying mechanism governing the NaCl-induced changes of relevant properties. Increasing the NaCl level in soymilk led to higher yield (134.2 – 192.2 g/100 g soybean) of LM-tofu with higher water content (69.2 – 76.7%), reduced protein (11.3 – 16.3%) and lipid (6.87 – 9.22%) levels, and enhanced water binding capacity (WBC, 4.26 – 6.78 g H2O/g protein) and water holding capacity (WHC, 3.63 – 5.49 g H2O/g protein) of soy proteins. Although NaCl had a minor effect on the interactions between proteins and mobilized water or tightly bound water, it significantly improved the proteins' ability to bind loosely bound water due to electrostatic interactions between the charged groups of proteins and hydrated Cl- and Na+ ions. Moreover, the amounts of loosely bound water were highly correlated with both WBC and WHC of proteins (correlation coefficient: 0.999 and 0.995, respectively). The enhanced water binding capacity of proteins for loosely bound water due to an increased salt level resulted in LM-tofu with a less dense protein network structure, weaker strength and reduced deformation ability. This study provides insights for the development of high-calcium, soy protein-based foods to meet the growing demands for healthy and convenient plant-based snacks or meals.

Child and Adult Care Food Program: Family Childcare Home Providers’ Perceptions of Impacts of Increased Meal and Snack Reimbursement Rates during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The U.S. Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides tiered reimbursements for healthy foods for children at participating family childcare homes (FCCH). Higher tier 1 reimbursements are for providers who operate in low-income communities or who are themselves living on a low income. All FCCHs received a higher rate to address food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A survey was administered in the spring of 2023 to a randomly selected sample of licensed California FCCHs to assess the perceived impacts of the increased reimbursement on CACFP participation and anticipated challenges with reinstated tiered rates. A total of 518 surveys (261 tier 1, 257 tier 2) were analyzed using linear or logistic regression, adjusting for confounders. Results: Among tier 1 and tier 2 providers combined, over half reported lowering out-of-pocket spending for food (59%) and serving greater variety (55%) and quality (54%) of foods. Tier 2 providers reported experiencing more benefits (p &lt; 0.05) and tended to be more likely to implement optional CACFP best practices (although not significantly different between tiers). Most FCCH providers found reimbursement rates were inadequate before (83%) the pandemic; this amount decreased to 54% post-pandemic for tier 1 and tier 2 providers combined. Conclusions: The temporary CACFP reimbursement positively impacted the perceived quality and variety of foods served to children, especially among tier 2 providers. Increased reimbursements for all FCCHs may ensure children have access to the healthy meals and snacks provided by the CACFP.

Pemberdayaan dan Diversifikasi Produk Olahan Daun Kelor pada Ibu PKK Kelapa Sawit dalam Upaya Pencegahan Stunting

Stunting is defined as a failure to achieve optimal growth, as measured by height for age. Moringa leaves have been demonstrated to improve the nutritional status of toddlers based on body mass index according to age. In Banjarbaru, Sungai Besar village, palm oil is found to contain a significant amount of moringa leaves. This community service activity aims to empower palm oil PKK mothers and diversify moringa leaf processed products. The community service method involved counseling activities related to the benefits of moringa leaves and assistance in moringa leaf diversification. The results of the service included moringa leaf, areca nuts, and healthy snacks with a taste, shape, and color that the community liked. It can be concluded that there was an increase in the skills of PKK palm oil mothers in making processed moringa leaf products.

Strengthening Community Healthy Behavior to Support Tourism Area

Kenjeran Beach Amusement Park is one of the beaches with a strategic area bordering the Madura Strait. In addition, Kenjeran Beach Amusement Park also provides several facilities that can be enjoyed by tourists. The results of observations, still found low personal hygiene of food vendors, not all food vendors provide trash bins, and tourists are still seen littering. Based on the results of the problem situation analysis, it is necessary to strengthen healthy behavior in the community around the tourist area. The targets of the activity were elementary school students around the Kenjeran beach tourism area in Surabaya City 113 students and food and beverage vendors in the Kenjeran beach tourism area 20 in number, using total sampling. The purpose of community service activities carried out to strengthen community healthy living behavior to support tourism areas in the Kenjeran Beach area, Surabaya. The implementation that has been carried out in this community service are education to elementary school children, education to food vendors, observation of the cleanliness of the tourist area observation of how to serve snacks and laboratory tests of microbial contamination in food/beverage snacks. Then to evaluate understanding after education by analyzing the mean value of pre-test and post-test. The results of this activity have provided education for elementary school students regarding clean and healthy living behavior in the area even though the average pre-test score of 6.15 decreased to 6.07 during the post-test. The socialization of safe and healthy snacks for food vendors in THP Kenjeran Lama has also been carried out with the pre-test score having an average of 5.2 then increased to 8.7 at the time of the post-test. Laboratory test results showed a very alarming condition, namely 88.89% of food-beverage samples were contaminated with microbes with various types of bacteria. Suggestions from the results of this activity are still the need for more intensive education to school children about the selection of snacks and diseases transmitted through food and beverages. There is still a need for assistance from food vendors in processing and serving food and drinks by sanitary hygiene standards.

Analysis of R2R3-MYB Repressor Subfamily Identifies FcMYB57 as a Negative Regulator of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Ficus carica L. Fruit

Dry fig is a traditional healthy snack and has important economic value in a number of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. Cultivars with no anthocyanin accumulation in the fruit peel are preferred for dry fig production. R2R3-MYB transcription factors have promotive or repressive regulatory roles in plant anthocyanin biosynthesis. In this study, 113 R2R3-MYB genes were identified in Ficus carica, 3 of which were assigned to the S4 subfamily of flavonoid-biosynthesis repressors. FcMYB57 was further recruited as a candidate anthocyanin-biosynthesis repressor based on its sequence features and expression, which was significantly negatively correlated with that of anthocyanin-biosynthesis structural genes. Transient overexpression of FcMYB57 in strawberry totally inhibited fruit pigmentation and significantly increased fruit firmness. The metabolomic analysis confirmed a significant reduction in the contents of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside, as well as other flavonoids, and transmission electron microscopy revealed an increment in cell-wall thickness. Transcriptome analysis showed downregulation of anthocyanin-biosynthesis structural genes and upregulation of genes related to xylan synthesis. Yeast one-hybrid and dual luciferase assays demonstrated a negative regulatory effect of FcMYB57 on the promoter of FcUFGT3 (UDP glucose-flavonoid 3-O-glcosyl-transferase). Yeast two-hybrid assay showed that FcMYB57 does not interact with FcbHLH42, 3, 14, MYC2, or FcTTG1, all of which have a previously identified or predicted role in flavonoid biosynthesis, however, interaction was detected with FcTPL (Topless), suggesting that FcMYB57 serves as an active repressor of anthocyanin biosynthesis. This is the first identification of an anthocyanin-biosynthesis repressor in fig, with a possible role in fig fruit quality.

Daya Terima dan Kandungan Serat, Protein, Daya Antioksidan Keciput Kulit Buah Naga Merah dengan Penambahan Tepung Beras Merah Sebagai Jajanan Sehat

Red dragon fruit peel has high antioxidant content and abundant availability in Indonesia but is still rarely utilized. Brown rice has a higher fiber content than white rice. Brown rice and dragon fruit skin can be processed into keciput snacks. Keciput is a snack made from glutinous rice flour wrapped in sesame seeds that can be varied in shape, color and taste. The aim is to determine the effect of the acceptability of red dragon fruit peel keciput with the addition of brown rice flour as a healthy snack. Completely randomized design (CRD) experiment with 3 treatments on red dragon fruit peel and brown rice F1 (50%:50%), F2 (60%:40%) and F3 (70%:30%). Acceptability test on 30 untrained panelists and analyzed using Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney tests with a significance of p&lt;0.05. Analysis of fiber content, protein, and antioxidant power was done twice on the selected formulations. There was an effect on the acceptability of red dragon fruit skin snails and brown rice flour (p&lt;0.001). There was no effect of acceptability in the comparison of F2 and F3 on color, aroma, and taste (p=0.252; p=8.24; p=0.247). The highest mean value of acceptability was in F2 (selected). F2 contained 27.653% fiber, 17.346% protein, and 107.268 ppm antioxidant power.

Daya Terima, Kandungan Gizi dan Daya Antioksidan Formula Snack Bar Substitusi Tepung Ubi Jalar Ungu dan Tepung Biji Kelor Sebagai Jajanan Sehat Bagi Anak Sekolah

Snacks among school children still contain many unhealthy ingredients (high sugar salt and saturated fat) fulfillment of the nutritional needs of school children can be achieved by changing to healthier snacks, one of which is snack bars. Fulfillment of nutrients in making snack bars can be obtained from local food ingredients, namely purple sweet potato flour and moringa seed flour. The aim is to determine the acceptability, nutritional content and antioxidant power of snack bar formula substituted with purple sweet potato flour and moringa seed flour as a healthy snack for school children. The design used a completely randomized design (CRD) method. Formulation of making snack bar substitution of purple sweet potato flour and moringa seed flour with three treatments F1 (90%:10%), F2 (80%:20%), and F3 (70%:30%). Research Results: Based on the results of the acceptability test, the selected formulation is F2. The snack bar contains 33.769% protein, 8.941% fat, 30.22% carbohydrate, 29.546% moisture content, 1.81% ash content, and IC50 antioxidant power of 101.354 ppm (medium).

Analysis of the Effect of Knowledge Level and Nutritional Status Related to the Concept of Healthy Snacks

The importance of understanding the concept of healthy food has raised awareness about choosing healthy snacks for school children. This study aims to analyze the effect of knowledge level and nutritional status related to the concept of healthy snacks. This research uses a cross-sectional method, which is a way of approaching or collecting data with pre-tests and post-tests, anthropometric measurements, and student data analysis. The sample consists of 37 students from SDN I Tambaksari Surabaya aged 12-13 years. The results show no significant relationship between nutritional status and knowledge of healthy snacks (p-value = 0.162 &gt; α = 0.05) and between gender and increased knowledge of healthy snack concepts (p-value = 0.131 &gt; α = 0.05). The conclusion of this study indicates that the respondents' knowledge and gender do not affect their behavior in choosing healthy snacks.

Mild Approach for the Formulation of Chestnut Flour-Enriched Snacks: Influence of Processing Parameters on the Preservation of Bioactive Compounds of Raw Materials.

Third-generation snacks were developed from a triad of flours made up of chestnut, spelt, and chickpea flour. Optimal snack formulations and processing parameters have been established to ensure acceptable workability of the raw dough while protecting the bioactive components of the raw materials. The parameters examined were mixing time, speed, and temperature. The properties of the snack were evaluated by analyzing the expansion ratio, hardness, moisture content, and phenolic and volatile compounds. The optimal mixing conditions that ensure maximum expansion were a temperature of 30 °C, a speed of 30 rpm, and a time of 6 min. The results showed that the proper percentage of water and sodium bicarbonate was 35% and 2%, respectively, and that the developed snacks had an alveolar and homogeneous structure. The proposed approach brings several advantages, including the preservation of bioactive compounds during the production process. Furthermore, the mild operating conditions prevented the development of unwanted or unpleasant compounds, as confirmed by the analysis of volatile compounds. Therefore, this study opens new perspectives in the food industry, satisfying the growing demand for functional products and healthy snacks.

Artichoke By-Product Extracts as a Viable Alternative for Shelf-Life Extension of Breadsticks.

The upcycling of agricultural by-products and the extension of the shelf-life of staple foods represent crucial strategies for mitigating the consequences of food losses and enhancing the competitiveness of the agri-food industry, thus facilitating the attainment of higher financial revenues. This is particularly relevant for global artichoke cultivation, where 60-80% of its biomass is discarded annually. The present study investigated the potential of using non-stabilized polyphenol-rich extracts from the main artichoke by-products (bracts, leaves, and stems) to fortify and extend the shelf-life of breadsticks. The incorporation of hydroalcoholic extracts at two addition levels (1000-2000 ppm) resulted in an increased antioxidant capacity and oxidative stability of fortified breadsticks. Rheological tests revealed that the fortification did not affect the dough's workability, with the exception of the leaf extract. While a slight deterioration in texture was observed, the shelf-life of breadsticks was significantly extended, particularly at the highest levels of addition, without any visible alteration in their appearance. The stem extract demonstrated the most promising outcomes, exhibiting a maximum increase of 69% in antioxidant capacity (DPPH) and an extension of the estimated shelf-life by 62% in the resulting breadsticks, prompting the potential for utilizing them to develop nutritious and healthy snacks with extended shelf-life.