Nutritional, techno-functional and pasting properties of orange-fleshed sweet potato, Bambara groundnut and date seed composite flour

Underutilized crops such as orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) and Bambara groundnut (BNF) can help combat protein-energy malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined composite flours made from OFSP, BNF, and date seed flour (DSF) to evaluate their proximate composition, mineral and anti-nutrient content, techno-functional, antioxidant, and pasting properties. Fourteen blends were formulated using D-Optimal Mixture Design. Moisture, ash, fat, protein, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, and beta-carotene contents ranged from 5.51–6.88 g/100g, 2.37–2.93 g/100g, 3.85–6.06 g/100g, 5.94–7.48 g/100g, 73.48–76.52 g/100g, 10.41–10.61 g/100g, and 2.32–5.98 mg/g DM, respectively. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in antinutrient, mineral, and functional properties. Incorporating BNF and DSF into OFSP flour enhanced beta-carotene, dietary fiber, and protein content. The optimal formulation was 56.5% OFSP, 35% BNF, and 8.5% DSF. This study demonstrates the synergistic potential of combining these underutilized crops to produce nutritionally enriched composite flour with desirable functional properties. The flour offers a novel alternative to wheat flour and is suitable for diverse food applications, including breakfast foods and ready-to-eat snacks.