PROXIMATE EVALUATION OF A NUTRITIOUS SNACK FORMULATED FOR ADOLESCENTS USING BAMBARA NUTS, SOYBEANS, CHIA SEEDS AND DATES
Sr No:
Page No:
30-35
Language:
English
Authors:
Oluwatoyin M. Jegede*, Oluwasegun H. Jegede, Jafaru M. Bunza, Daikwo Moses Alilu, and Uju Dorathy Iliemene
Received:
2025-07-26
Accepted:
2025-11-06
Published Date:
2025-11-17
Abstract:
Adolescence is a critical period of rapid growth with high nutritional demands, yet it is often marked by poor dietary habits,
including the consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor snacks. This contributes to the burden of malnutrition. Leveraging snacking
behaviour presents a strategic opportunity to improve adolescent nutrition through fortified, convenient food alternatives. This study
aimed to develop and conduct a proximate evaluation of a nutritious snack formulated for adolescents using a blend of Bambara
groundnuts, soybeans, chia seeds, and dates to enhance its nutritional profile. An experimental research design was employed. The raw
ingredients were processed into flour (soybean, Bambara nut), syrup (dates), and a gel (chia seeds) and combined into three different
snack formulations. The proximate composition (moisture, ash, crude lipid, crude protein, crude fibre, and carbohydrates) of the raw
ingredients, processed ingredients, and final snack products was determined using standard AOAC methods and compared against a
control cookie. The analysis revealed that the individual ingredients possessed distinct and complementary nutritional profiles.
Soybean was a protein powerhouse (40.10%), chia seeds were rich in lipids (21.92%) and fibre (21.39%), and Bambara nut flour was
high in carbohydrates (68.47%). The formulated snacks showed a significant nutritional enhancement over the control. Specifically,
they exhibited a marked increase in protein (up to 24.84% in Sample C vs. 3.79% in control), dietary fibre (up to 2.59% vs. 0.89%),
and ash (mineral) content (≈3.10% vs. 1.55%), alongside a reduction in carbohydrate content. Moisture and lipid levels remained
comparable to the control, indicating no adverse effects on product stability and texture. The study successfully demonstrates that the
strategic formulation of snacks using Bambara groundnut, soybean, chia seed, and date can yield a nutrient-dense product significantly
superior to conventional options. This snack has high potential to address specific nutrient gaps and combat the triple burden of
malnutrition among adolescents by providing a convenient source of high-quality protein, fibre, and essential minerals.
Keywords:
Adolescent Nutrition, Bambara Groundnut, Soybean, Chia Seeds, Dates, Proximate Evaluation.