Development of a Rice Bran Incorporated Energy Rich Snack for Schoolers

Abstract

Many children at schooling age skip their breakfast leading to poor nutritional status which in turn affects their learning process. Therefore, it is important to explore ways to provide the essential nutrients. The focus of this study was to introduce an energy and nutrient dense snack which is low in volume utilizing rice bran, fruits and nuts. Rice bran is a nutrient rich by-product which currently remains unutilized for human consumption. Rice bran was heat stabilized by microwaving for 3-5 minutes and roasting for 2 minutes. Preliminary experiments were carried out to determine the optimum quantity of rice bran and a suitable fruit for the snack. The formulated snack bar contained high carbohydrate (49.6% ) and fat (16.9% ) compared to the snack bars available in the local market. It is concluded that an energy rich snack bar can be developed to fulfill the considerable daily nutrient requirement of the schoolers utilizing the locally available low cost rice bran and fruits and nuts.