Antioxidant-enriched Health Mix Fortified with Fermented Moringaoleifera Seeds: A Comprehensive Study on Nutritional Profiling, SensoryEvaluation, and Addressing Challenges of Food Insecurity

Introduction: Access to nutritionally superior protein has become increasingly limited for lower-income populations, exacerbating food insecurity, underscoring the need for economical, nutrient-dense food solutions to enhance nutrition. This study explores the potential of underutilized Moringa oleifera seeds as a cost-effective ingredient for developing fortified health mixes, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals of Zero Hunger. Methods: Standard Protein health mix was fortified with fermented moringa seeds, named Proteinoxi, and compared to the original mix. Both formulations were further developed into three product variants: porridge, nutribar, and crackers. Developed product variants from the formulations that underwent sensory evaluation, nutritional and antioxidant profiling, including protein, dietary fibre, omega fatty acids, micronutrients, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and total polyphenols. Statistical analysis, including Chi-square and ANOVA, was conducted to find out significant differences in sensory evaluation conducted with 30 participants for both formulations. Results: Moringa seed fortified crackers received the highest acceptability than the nutribar and porridge variants. Standard Protein nutribar and porridge had lower acceptability than Protein crackers. Proteinoxi crackers exhibited significantly higher nutritional value, including enhanced protein, dietary fibre, omega fatty acids, and micronutrients, along with superior antioxidant activity. Microbial testing confirmed that the microbial load is within the permissible limits. Discussion: Incorporating fermented moringa seeds into ready-to-eat snacks presents a sustainable, nutrient-dense, and economical alternative to commercial foods, addressing nutritional deficiencies in vulnerable populations and contributing to global food security and sustainability. Conclusion: Overall, this study highlights that fermented moringa seed is a promising food fortifying agent, which is nutritionally dense and sensory-appealing dietary supplement.