Biscuits: a systematic review and meta-analysis of improving the nutritional quality and health benefits

Whole Black Rice Flour Improves the Physicochemical, Glycemic, and Sensory Properties of Cracker Snacks

The present study describes the enhancement of the nutritional values of gluten-free rice crackers by adding whole black rice grain flour. The crackers were prepared by combining whole brown rice flour (WRF) and whole black rice flour (BRF) in ratios of 0% (WRC), 25% (25-BRC), 50% (50-BRC), 75% (75-BRC), and 100% (BRC). The resulting samples underwent in-vivo effects on postprandial blood glucose levels as well as physicochemical and sensory analysis. In comparison to WRC, the samples containing 100% added black rice flour presented higher nutritional qualities in terms of protein, by 16.61%, 8.64% for lipids, 5.61% for ash, 36.94% for crude fiber, 58.04% for total polyphenols, 95.49% for proanthocyanidins, and 88.07% for flavonoids. The addition of BRF had a suppressing effect on lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*), while redness (a*) increased. The results of the glycemic measurements confirmed that consumption of crackers made from brown or black whole-grain rice grain flour does not generate glycemic peaks above the limit of 30 mg/dL in baseline blood glucose levels. The results of developing rice crackers from black and brown flour blends showed promising physicochemical and nutritional properties and could provide a good alternative to wheat flour as a gluten-free product.

Transforming 'Bonito del Norte' Tuna By-Products into Functional Ingredients for Nutritional Enhancement of Cereal-Based Foods

The fishing industry produces a significant number of by-products. This study explored two methods of transforming these by-products: fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) and Fishmeal (FM). Physicochemical characterization of these products was conducted and their potential inclusion in biscuits was investigated due to the lack of high biological value protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids of this product. The results identified colour disparities between FPH and FM, with FM displaying lower brightness and a more reddish hue. In FPH, there was also a noticeable decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids, probably associated with the temperature reached in spray-drying. While the incorporation of these by-products in biscuits was feasible, there were challenges, particularly the fishy taste and rancid odour, which were more pronounced in FM biscuits due to the higher fat content. This correlated with the oxidation indexes, such as TBARS and acidity index. Nonetheless, FPH biscuit attributes like typical colour or flavour received positive feedback, attributed to the Maillard reaction. Scanning electron microscopy revealed microstructural differences, which correlated with the results of hardness and fracturability, probably due to the higher fat content in FM. This study revealed the possibility of nutritionally enriching cookies with ingredients derived from fish by-products. However, it would be necessary to go a step further and study alternatives that allow better preservation of saturated fatty acids.

The Iron and Calcium Availability and the Satiating Effect of Different Biscuits

Biscuits are bakery products made with wheat flour. Wheat is a good source of minerals and dietary fibre, although the presence of phytate or other components could modify mineral availability. In addition, cereal-based products are usually characterised by high fibre content that can influence satiety. The objectives of this study were to evaluate both the iron and calcium availability and the satiety effect of different types of biscuits (traditional recipe vs. "Digestive") sold in the Spanish market, identifying whether the biscuit type could have effects on these parameters. Nutritional composition and the use of the generic descriptor "Digestive" of biscuits were collected from labels. Phytate and mineral contents were also measured. All samples were previously digested by a simulated process of the gastrointestinal conditions. The satiating effect of biscuits was evaluated according to VAS questionnaires. Results indicated that the mineral content and availability were different between types of biscuits (the traditional recipe showed the highest calcium concentration, while iron was higher in the "Digestive" type). However, mineral availability showed the highest percentages for both minerals, calcium and iron, in the Maria-type samples. Regardless of the different fibre content of both types of biscuits, and despite being higher in the Digestive type than in the Maria type, the satiety measures indicated that the Maria type had more effect on the food intake control. Thus, the descriptor "Digestive¨ in biscuits does not seem to be a marker of better nutritional quality, including parameters of effects on health such as mineral availability or satiety.

Utilization of local therapeutic food in preventing and treating nutrition problems in the dry land area of the islands of east nusa tenggara province

The research aims to produce a local Pemberian makanan tambahan (PMT) biscuit formula that is nutritious, acceptable and has a good shelf life. Experimental research with RAL design used two factors and two treatments, namely the addition of anchovy flour (20% and 30%) and moringa leaf flour (20% and 30%) to 100 g of corn flour. The research was conducted in April-November 2022 with an analysis of nutritional content, and acceptability. Data were processed using SPSS with a statistical test One Way analysis of variance Test. The results of the analysis showed that the P4 product had a higher nutritional content difference, namely: 17.976 g of protein; fat 20.106 g; carbohydrates 60.644 g; minerals 3.632 μg; water content 3.999 aw; and energy 490.9 kcal with acceptance scores: Like-really like for 7 days at room temperature without standard packaging. Each serving portion for children of 2 pieces of biscuits or as much as 25 g/day gets a protein nutritional intake of 2.26 g or 11.3% of the Recommended dietary allowance (RDA); Fat of 2.66 or 5.9% of the RDA; Carbohydrates are 14.3 or 6.7% of the RDA and Energy is 615.23 kcal or 45.6% of the RDA. Product combination of 100 g of corn flour; 20 g of moringa flour; and 20 g of anchovy flour into the local therapeutic food "Iman" biscuit formulation which is very popular.

Physicochemical and structural impact of CMC-hydrocolloids on the development of gluten-free foxtail millet biscuits

Patients with celiac disease and those who are gluten intolerant have a need for gluten-free bakery items but developing them is a challenge for technologists and dietitians. Foxtail millets are naturally gluten-free and nutrient-dense grains. Herein, CMC-modified foxtail millet biscuits (CFMBs) were prepared using 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1% of CMC hydrocolloids with foxtail millet flour. The effects of CFMBs on the physicochemical properties, sensory, and morphology were investigated and compared with wheat (WB-100) and foxtail millet (FMB-100) products. CFMBs were thicker, had a larger specific volume, and had a lower diameter and spread ratio than FMB-100. CFMB-0.1 exhibited higher moisture content, higher water activity, and lower fat content than FMB-100 and WB-100. The hardness of CFMB-0.1 (35.08 ± 0.26 N) was close to WB-100 (37.75 ± 0.104 N) but higher than FM-100 (21.61 ± 0.064 N). The scanning electron microscope (SEM) study indicated that incorporating CMC influenced the morphology and microstructure of CFMBs. Skilled panelists gave WB-100 and CFMB-0.1 the highest sensory ratings and FMB-100 the lowest due to their color, appearance, flavor, and overall acceptability. Finally, CMC may be easily included in FMB manufacturing and supported like gluten in the food sector to suit the nutritional demands of customers.

Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Powder Promotes a High Bioaccessible Protein Fraction and Low Glycaemic Index in Biscuits

Traditional biscuits are considered products with poor nutritional value because of their large share of rapidly digested starch, which results in an elevated glycaemic index. This paper explores the improvement of the nutritional value of biscuits by adding yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) powder. Four biscuit recipes containing 0%(R1), 10%(R2), 15%(R3), and 20%(R4) of yellow mealworm powder were prepared and subjected to sensorial analysis. The R3 biscuits were selected for further investigation, as they had the highest acceptability. Compared to the reference R1, the R3 biscuits showed an improved nutritional profile in terms of protein, fat, ash, minerals, fibres, essential amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acids, and lower amounts of carbohydrates and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. The in vitro protein digestibility in R3 improved 1.12-fold compared to R1. No significant difference was found between the digestibility of the lipids released from R1 and R3. A higher fraction of slowly digestible starch was present in R3 compared to R1. The starch digestibility and estimated glycaemic index were 72.96% and 79.56% in R3, which can be compared to 78.79% and 90.14%, respectively, in R1. Due to their enhanced nutritional profile, higher bioaccessible protein fraction, and lower glycaemic index, yellow mealworm powder biscuits can be considered a more nutritious alternative to traditional biscuits.

Biscuit Contaminants, Their Sources and Mitigation Strategies: A Review

The scientific literature is rich in investigations on the presence of various contaminants in biscuits, and of articles aimed at proposing innovative solutions for their control and prevention. However, the relevant information remains fragmented. Therefore, the objective of this work was to review the current state of the scientific literature on the possible contaminants of biscuits, considering physical, chemical, and biological hazards, and making a critical analysis of the solutions to reduce such contaminations. The raw materials are primary contributors of a wide series of contaminants. The successive processing steps and machinery must be monitored as well, because if they cannot improve the initial safety condition, they could worsen it. The most effective mitigation strategies involve product reformulation, and the use of alternative baking technologies to minimize the thermal load. Low oxygen permeable packaging materials (avoiding direct contact with recycled ones), and reformulation are effective for limiting the increase of contaminations during biscuit storage. Continuous monitoring of raw materials, intermediates, finished products, and processing conditions are therefore essential not only to meet current regulatory restrictions but also to achieve the aim of banning dietary contaminants and coping with related diseases.