Optimizing Nutritional Content in Fortified Rice Cake: Phytochemical and Sensory Evaluation

The rising consumer demand for healthier food products poses a significant challenge to the food industry, particularly when trying to balance nutrition with taste. Bakery products, widely consumed globally, are often criticized for being high in calories and low in essential nutrients. Recent innovations focus on fortifying these products with functional ingredients to enhance their nutritional value. This study explores the development of a fortified rice cake that incorporates rice flour, green gram flour, and dry fruit powder to improve both the functional and sensory qualities of the cake. The objective was to analyze the phytochemical composition and conduct an organoleptic evaluation of the fortified cake. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of beneficial compounds such as phenolic compounds, glycosides, and flavonoids in some samples. Sensory evaluation was carried out by a panel of 30 untrained participants, who rated the samples based on color, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability. Among the samples tested, the cake with equal proportions of refined flour and fortified rice flour (T1) was found to be the most acceptable. The results highlight the potential of using fortified ingredients in bakery products to improve both nutritional quality and consumer satisfaction. This study suggests that incorporating cereals, pulses, and phytochemical-rich ingredients into cakes can create a product that offers both energy and health benefits, paving the way for healthier baked goods in the future.