Nutritional Properties of Peanut-Based Beverages: A Promising Solution for Undernutrition in Malawi, Africa

Summary

Undernutrition remains a challenge in countries like Malawi in Africa. To address this challenge, the search for effective nutrition interventions and nutritious foods especially from sustainable and resilient food sources, like peanuts is on-going. In this study, consumer acceptability of six peanut-based beverage prototypes was determined out of which two highly acceptable peanut-based beverages with mean overall liking scores of 7.5 and 7.6, respectively, were identified. The nutrient profiles of these two beverages were determined using official standard analytical methods. In addition to peanut paste, sugar, salt, and stabilizer, one of the beverages contained barley malted milk powder (Bev-A) while the other contained sorghum malted milk powder (Bev-B) in its formulation. The beverages provided 97 to 109 kcal, 3.7 to 5.0 g of high-quality protein, and 5.0 to 5.6 g fat per 100g. Bev-B had a better nutrient profile than Bev-A in terms of protein, total dietary fiber, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. A 237-mL (8 oz.) serving of the BEV-B was an excellent source (% DV ≥ 20) of high-quality protein, total dietary fiber, phosphorus, calcium, molybdenum, and manganese and also, a good source (10 ≤ % DV≤ 19) of potassium and magnesium. Based on acceptability results, both Bev-A and Bev-B can potentially increase peanut consumption in Malawi. In the long term, the Bev-B may help in the management of undernutrition because of its superior nutritional quality. Beside Malawi, the peanut-based beverage may also be valuable in other countries if it could be equally acceptable.

Situation

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition, mainly undernutrition, because of malnutrition remains a serious challenge mostly in countries like Malawi in Africa. To address this challenge, WHO is promoting universal access to effective nutrition interventions and healthy diets from sustainable and resilient food systems. Among the sustainable, resilient, and nutritious food sources are legumes like peanuts. Unfortunately, in countries like Malawi, despite the adequate supply, peanut consumption is low (< 5kg/capita). Among other factors, the limited diversity of peanut products that meet consumer preferences contributes to the low peanut consumption in Malawi. Development of acceptable food products is key to promoting consumption. As a way of increasing peanut consumption, prototypes of peanut-based beverages were developed with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). A beverage was chosen because compared to solid or semi-solid foods, beverages are convenient, easy to digest, appeal to all age groups, and can be delivered in multiple flavors. Considering that the sensory appeal of food is one of the dominant food choice motives, both sensory and nutritional properties of the peanut-based beverages were determined in this study.

Response

Both, Bev-A and Bev-B were liked by the consumers in Malawi. Therefore, they both have a potential of promoting and increasing peanut consumption in Malawi. Bev-B had a better nutrient composition than Bev-A in terms of protein, total dietary fiber, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. A 237-mL (8 oz.) serving of the Bev-B was an excellent source of high-quality protein, total dietary fiber, phosphorus, calcium, molybdenum, and manganese and also, a good source of potassium and magnesium. Therefore, the formulation incorporating sorghum malted milk powder (Bev-B) has the potential for use in preventing and managing nutritional disorders such as kwashiorkor and marasmus.

Impact

The researchers will be filing for disclosure statements with the University in the near future to safeguard the IP developed in this research.

State Issue

Health & Wellness

Details

• Year: 2020
• Geographic Scope: International
• County: Spalding
• Location: Georgia Station, Griffin
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources