Nutritional content and acceptability of healthy snacks EKSISBAR as a formula for preventing anemia and improving physical fitness

Background: Anemia is a condition caused by a lack of nutrient deficiency, especially protein and iron. Iron plays a role in the formation of red blood cells (hemoglobin). Inadequate food intake causes the protein and iron available from food to be insufficient to activate hemoglobin synthesis. One alternative to overcome the problem of anemia is to provide additional food rich in protein and micronutrients such as iron and zinc. This study aims to assess the acceptability and nutritional content of a healthy snack creation called EKSISBAR as an effort to prevent anemia and increase physical fitness Methods: This study is an experimental study with a randomized block design consisting of 5 treatments. Healthy snacks EKSISBAR are made from a composition of tempeh flour, banana flour, moringa leaf flour, dried snake fruit and nuts with a proportional formula. The test of acceptability or level of preference for healthy snacks EKSISBAR was carried out by assessing organoleptic quality. The organoleptic quality panelists were adolescents aged 14–18 years and were recorded as active participants in the adolescent posyandu in Pejeng Village, Tampaksiring District, Gianyar Regency. There were 30 panelists involved in this test. Differences in acceptability and nutritional content between formulas were analyzed using the Anova test followed by post hoc analysis using the LSD (the least square difference) test method if there were differences between formulas. Results: All healthy snacks EKSISBAR were liked by the panelists in terms of color, aroma, taste, texture, and overall assessment. However, descriptively, it was found that the most preferred treatment was F3 with the addition of cashew nuts. Healthy snacks EKSISBAR per 100 grams of serving contain 383.58 - 432.16 kcal of energy; 8.79 - 10.98 grams of protein; 12.94 - 19.76 grams of fat; 50.64 - 59.81 grams of carbohydrates; 1.84 - 2.35 mg of iron. Statistically, there was no difference in energy, nutrient content (protein, fat, carbohydrate, iron) color, flavor, and texture between healthy snack EKSISBAR formulas. Conclusions: All healthy snacks EKSISBAR were acceptable to the panelists. The analysis results showed no difference in acceptability and nutritional content between formulas.