Effect of Gum Arabic from <i>Acacia </i><i>senegal</i> var. <i>kerensis</i> and Texturized Soy Protein on Pysico-Chemical Properties of Protein-Rich Snack Stick

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) as a result of poor nutrition, especially for deprived resourced households, is a big health concern in the world. According to the World Health Organisation, PEM accounts for 49% of the 10.4 million deaths of children under five that take place in developing countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of gum Arabic (GA) and texturized soy protein (TSP) and their interactive effect on proximate, functional, and textural properties of the protein-rich snack stick produced from ground green maize, GA powder, and ground TSP. GA varied at 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%, while TSP varied at 0%, 12%, 24% and 36%. The 5 cm long protein-rich snack sticks were made using a sausage stuffer and baked in an oven at 110˚C for 1 hr 30 minutes. The snack sticks were subjected to proximate, functional and textural analysis using the standard methods. Increasing GA resulted in a significant (p p < 0.05) increased the protein content (32.46%), Ash content (3.6%), fat (11.96%), and moisture content (16.25%) of protein-rich snack sticks. The interactive effect between GA and TSP led to a decrease in fibre and carbohydrates. Results from this study show GA and TSP significantly enhanced the physico-chemical properties of protein-rich snack sticks. A sample with 4% GA and 36% TSP is recommended for the best physico-chemical attributes of the protein-rich snack stick.