EVALUATION OF NUTRITIONAL AND ORGANOLEPTIC PROPERTIES OF FORMULATED CEREAL AND LEGUME RUTF

This study evaluates the nutrient composition and organoleptic properties of cereals and legumes-based ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF), specifically F75 (finger millet, soybeans, groundnut, and micro-minerals) and F100 (soybeans, sesame, groundnut, milk, vegetable oil, and micro-minerals). Seven samples—PNS, PNSY, F75, F100, PNC, F100C, and F75C—were formulated using different processing methods, with PNC, F100C, and F75C serving as control samples. The samples were analyzed for proximate composition, mineral content, and sensory attributes. Moisture content ranged from 2.0±0.0 to 16.05±0.0%, with F75C showing the highest value and PNS/PNSY the lowest. Fat content varied between 0.75±0.4 and 1.0±0.02%, while protein content peaked in PNSY (17.85±0.1%). Ash content was highest in PNC (20±0.0%), and crude fiber was absent in F75C, F100C, and F100 but highest in PNSY (8.0±0.0%). Carbohydrate content ranged from 53.15% to 78.09%, with F75C being the highest. Mineral analysis revealed PNC had the highest levels of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and selenium. Sensory evaluation showed that PNS (7.80±1.23) and F75C (7.80±1.40) were most acceptable. Overall, the formulated RUTF samples exhibited nutrient densities and protein quality within recommended standards, suggesting their suitability as cost-effective alternatives to commercial RUTF for infants