Cereal Bar Functionalised with Non-conventional Alfalfa and Dhaincha Protein Isolates: Quality Characteristics, Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Activity

The utilization of conventional protein sources like gluten, soy, dairy proteins, and nuts in the development of protein-enriched cereal bars presents a challenge for their consumption by the population suffering from celiac and other food protein allergies. In the present investigation, protein-rich cereal bars were developed using non-conventional protein isolates (alfalfa and dhiancha (API & DPI) and were evaluated for their quality attributes, nutritional composition, and bioactive potential. The incorporation of protein isolates increased the weight, density, and non-enzymatic browning and decreased the water activity in the bars. The hardness of the bar increased with the addition of protein isolates; however, reduced hardness was observed at 7.5 and 10% levels of API. Supplementation with protein isolates enhanced the protein content (7.83-16.71%), total phenols (1642-4956 GAE μg/g), total flavonoids (268-984 QE μg/g), DPPH radical scavenging activity (96.38-114.82 TEAC μmol/100 g) and reducing power (1926-3586 AAE μg/g) of the bars. Cereal bars maintained good sensory score and overall acceptability at 10 and 5% level of incorporation of API and DPI respectively.