Consumers' perception and physicochemical properties of novel functional cookie enriched with medicinal plant Strobilanthes crispus
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 10 November 2020
Issue publication date: 5 February 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Over the past decades, there has been a rising trend in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in Malaysia. Consequently, functional food is gaining interest amongst health-conscious consumers. This study aimed to evaluate the functional potential of cookie enhanced with Strobilanthes crispus (SC) and to evaluate its physicochemical and organoleptic properties.
Design/methodology/approach
Sensory evaluation was carried out using nine-point hedonic and line scales and the ranking test amongst consumer panels (n = 150) to evaluate control, 2, 4 and 6% SC cookies. Preferred formulation and control cookies were then subjected to chemical (moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate, calcium, sodium and potassium contents) and physical (texture profile and water activity [Aw]) analyses.
Findings
There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in terms of overall acceptability and ranking scores between control and 2% SC cookies upon gender discrimination. Results indicated that incorporation of 2% SC into cookie caused significant enhancement (p < 0.05) of moisture, fat, ash, calcium and potassium contents but did not cause a significant effect on hardness, although loss of crispiness was observed after two weeks of storage at room temperature. This study showed that the 2% SC cookie did not diminish consumers' acceptance while increasing potassium content. Most notably, it can be declared as a source of calcium.
Originality/value
This original research features the incorporation of medicinal plant SC in the development of novel functional cookie and the results constitute unique findings pertaining to its nutritional contents. Remarkably, the findings of this research have contributed knowledge to existing literature as well as benefits food manufacturers in creating nutritious functional cookie to better meet the needs and expectations of consumers, healthcare providers, governmental organisations and consumer advocacy groups while maintaining health benefits without compromising consumers' acceptance.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by Taylor’s Research Grant Scheme (TRGS/MFS/1/2017/SBS/005).Conflict of interest: The authors confirm that they have no conflicts of interest with respect to the work described in this manuscript.
Citation
Wirawan, E.U. and Yan, S.W. (2021), "Consumers' perception and physicochemical properties of novel functional cookie enriched with medicinal plant
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited