Health-Promoting Moringa Enriched Millet Cookies: Integrating Moringa and Millet for a Functional Snack Option

Abstract

The present study focuses on the development of cookies enriched with moringa (Moringaoleifera) leaf powder and millet flour. With rising consumer interest in functional foods and nutrient-rich alternatives to conventional baked products, this research aims to develop cookies that offer superior health benefits while maintaining acceptable sensory qualities. Millet, known for its high fibre and mineral content, serves as a gluten-free base, while Moringaoleifera contributes essential micronutrients such as iron, calcium, and antioxidants. Cookies were prepared using varying concentrations of moringa leaf powder (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%) incorporated into a composite flour consisting of finger millet (Ragi). The cookies were evaluated for sensory characteristics including appearance, colour, texture, taste, and overall acceptability using a 5-point hedonic scale by a semi-trained panel. Results showed that while the addition of moringa leaf powder led to noticeable changes in colour and flavour, cookies with up to 5% moringa incorporation maintained acceptable sensory quality. Beyond this level, a decline in palatability was observed due to increased bitterness and green coloration. The study concludes that moringa-enriched millet cookies are sensorially acceptable up to a certain inclusion level and hold promise as a functional food product.

Introduction

India’s growing population is driving a rising demand for bakery products, especially in the capital, with an annual growth rate of about 10%. Common bakery items include muffins, bread, cookies, cakes, and pastries, with cookies being popular due to their texture and consumer acceptance.

The study explores incorporating nutritious ingredients into cookies, focusing on Moringa oleifera, Finger millet, and jaggery:

• Moringa oleifera is a highly nutritious plant with leaves rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and bioactive compounds. It has traditional medicinal uses and supports various health benefits such as improving immunity, reducing inflammation, and treating deficiencies.

• Finger millet (Ragi) is grown in Asia and Africa and valued for its high fiber, gluten-free nature, essential amino acids, and various micronutrients, supporting health benefits like diabetes control and heart health.

• Jaggery is a nutritious, unrefined sweetener rich in minerals, vitamins, and proteins, considered healthier than refined sugar.

The research involved preparing cookies by mixing finger millet flour with varying proportions of Moringa powder (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%) along with butter, jaggery powder, baking agents, vanilla essence, and salt. The dough was baked at 145°C for 45 minutes and evaluated through sensory tests by a panel of 15 members on appearance, taste, texture, color, and overall acceptability using a 5-point hedonic scale.

Results showed mixed sensory responses:

• The highest scores were generally for texture and shape.

• Taste and overall acceptability received moderate to low scores, with some samples being neither liked nor disliked or moderately disliked.

Proximate analysis provided nutritional content details of Moringa powder, finger millet, and jaggery used.

In summary, while incorporating Moringa and millet enhances the nutritional profile of cookies, further work may be needed to improve taste and consumer acceptability.

Conclusion

Moringa Enriched Millet cookies offer a unique and nutritious snack option. The addition of Moringa powder enhances the nutritional value of the cookies by providing protein, fibre, and healthy fats. Ragi flour is gluten-free, making it a great alternative for people with gluten intolerance Moringa powder is also rich in antioxidants, which can provide health benefits like reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The nutty flavour and crunchy texture of the cookies make them a delicious snack option that can provide a quick energy boost. However, the cost of Moringa powder is slightly higher than the cookies available in the market. Considering its overall health benefits people will prefer to purchase Moringa Enriched Millet cookies. Overall, Moringa Enriched Millet cookies are a healthy and tasty snack option that can cater to a wide range of consumers.

References

[1] B. K., M. (2019). Standardization and Nutritional Characteristics of Organic Jaggery Millet Cookies. International Journal of Pure & Applied Bioscience, 7(3), 383–390. https://doi.org/10.18782/2320-7051.7335 [2] Gaikwad, V., Kaur, J., Rasane, P., Kaur, S., Singh, J., Kumar, A., Kumar, A., Sharma, N., Mehta, C. M., & Patel, A. S. (2024). Nutritional significance of finger millet and its potential for using in functional products. In Foods and Raw Materials (Vol. 12, Issue 1, pp. 110–123). Kemerovo State University. https://doi.org/10.21603/2308-4057-2024-1-593 [3] Gebreyohannes, A., Shimelis, H., Mashilo, J., Odeny, D. A., Tadesse, T., &Ojiewo, C. O. (2024). Finger millet (Eleusinecoracana) improvement: Challenges and prospects—A review. In Plant Breeding (Vol. 143, Issue 3, pp. 350–374). John Wiley and Sons Inc. https://doi.org/10.1111/pbr.13169 [4] Jagati, P., &Mahapatra, I. (2021). Finger millet (Ragi) as an essential dietary supplement with key health benefits: A review PadmajaJagati, IndurekhaMahapatra and Debasmita Dash. ~ 94 ~ International Journal of Home Science, 7(2), 94–100. https://doi.org/10.22271/23957476.2021.v [5] Keerthana, S. N., &Jayashankar, P. (n.d.). DEVELOPMENT OF FINGER MILLET FLOUR COOKIES WITH INCORPORATION OF MORINGA POWDER. https://krishiscience.co.in/ [6] Masitlha, E. P., Seifu, E., & Teketay, D. (2024). Nutritional composition and mineral profile of leaves of Moringaoleifera provenances grown in Gaborone, Botswana. Food Production, Processing and Nutrition, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43014-023-00183-8 [7] Model Detailed Project Report JAGGERY POWDER UNIT National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management(NIFTEM). (n.d.). [8] Neeruganti, K. (2017). PERFORMANCE OF HIGH YIELDING VARIETIES OF FINGER MILLET [Eleusinecoracana (L.) GAERTN]. [9] Pathak, V., &Dwivedi, A. K. (2019). Analytical Study of Different Sample of Guda (Jaggery). In International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (Vol. 4, Issue 6). www.ijisrt.com408 [10] Rajput, H., Prasad, S., Srivastav, P., & Hradesh Rajput, C. (2019). Nutritional quality analysis of dry moringa powder varity-PKM-1. ~ 95 ~ ThePharma Innovation Journal, 8(7). www.thepharmajournal.com [11] RanjeetChunilal, K., &Chavan, S. N. (n.d.). International Journal of Advanced Research and Development www.multidisciplinaryjournal.net Studies on preparation of cookies incorporated with moringa leaves powder. www.multidisciplinaryjournal.net [12] Rathore, Y., Research, M. S., Joshi, P., &Meena, S. (2022). Formulation and quality evaluation of Moringa leaves powder and development of value-added products. ~ 1605 ~ ThePharma Innovation Journal, 10, 1605–1615. www.thepharmajournal.com [13] RN, D., DT, B., SG, J., & SS, A. (2023). Development of Finger Millet Based Value-Added Product Enriched with Moringaolifera Leaves Using Different Drying Characterization and Nutritional Composition. ActaScientifci Nutritional Health, 7(2), 17–25. https://doi.org/10.31080/asnh.2023.07.1183 [14] Sandhya, J. J., &Kanniammal, C. (2024). Development of Millet Based Moringa - Amla Snack Bar for Iron Deficiency in Adolescents. NutricionClinica y DieteticaHospitalaria, 44(2), 331–337. https://doi.org/10.12873/442sandhya [15] Shokry, A. M. (n.d.). Evaluate the Nutritional Composition of Moringaoleifera Leaves Powder in Siwa Oasis and its Effect on Processed Moringa Food Products Properties. Middle East Journal of Agriculture Research.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Surya Narayan Bhuyan, Pratikshya Rout, Gyaneshwar Sahu, Pragyan Paramita Das, Dr. Md K. Khan, Dr. S. Swain. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.