Development, optimization and nutritional characterization of millet spread to combat hidden hunger

Abstract

The present study was conducted to develop millet spread to mitigate hidden hunger (a person is suffering from micronutrient deficiencies). Total of five treatments were prepared at different level of proportions containing finger millet, barnyard millet, sweet potato, sesame seeds and anjeer respectively. The sensory characteristics and proximate composition, including mineral of millet spread were analyzed. The spread formulated (T2) with barnyard millet (38g), finger millet (50g) and sweet potato (5g) along with other ingredients were found to be more acceptable in terms of overall acceptability (8.80) as compared to control (6.01), respectively. The research findings indicated that the incorporation of millets and sweet potato enhanced the nutritional value especially micronutrients (iron and zinc). The most acceptable millet spread treatment (code T2) high in ash content (1.90%), protein (6.77%), dietary fibre (6.51%) and low in fat content (4.03%) furthermore regarding mineral content, highest iron (1.54) and zinc (2.01) was found in treatment T2 respectively. The developed product is a healthy choice and help people for combating hidden hunger as well as lifestyle diseases.