Development of a healthy whey protein-based pumpkin seed bar

This study explores the development of a nutritious whey protein-based pumpkin seed bar, formulated to enhance protein intake through natural, functional ingredients. Various formulations incorporating different proportions of pumpkin seeds and dates, along with whey protein, were evaluated for their physico-chemical properties, sensory attributes, and nutritional content. The optimized formulation (T4), comprising 120 g of pumpkin seeds and 80 g of dates, demonstrated superior sensory performance with an overall acceptability score of 8.6 on a 9-point hedonic scale. Additionally, proximate analysis revealed that the optimized bar contained 32.51% protein, 23.75% fat, and 26.33% carbohydrates, with the protein content significantly higher than that of many conventional snack bars. Statistical analysis confirmed that the variations in ingredient ratios had a significant impact on both sensory and nutritional properties (p< 0.05). Furthermore, a cost estimation study indicated that the developed product is economically feasible for large-scale production. Overall, the whey protein-based pumpkin seed bar offers a balanced nutritional profile and appealing sensory characteristics, making it a promising functional snack for health-conscious consumers.