Formulation of fiber enriched crackers biscuit: Effect on nutritional composition, physical and sensory properties

Refined wheat flour commonly used in making crackers biscuits is rich in starch but low in protein and fibre. This study investigated the effect of adding different levels of lemon basil (LBP) and scent leaf powders (SLP) and cashew kernel flour (CKF) incorporation in crackers biscuits on the nutritional, phytochemical, physical and sensory properties. Seven formulations of crackers biscuits were prepared by mixing LBP and SLP in the ratio of 1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0%, respectively and 20% CKF with wheat flour. The result showed that the ash, crude protein, fat and crude fibre content of the enriched crackers was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the control. Samples containing 5.0% LBP and SLP had the highest calcium, sodium and magnesium and differed significantly (p < 0.05) from the control. Increase in the incorporation with LBP and SLP resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the phytochemical content. The incorporation of LBP and SLP had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the height and weight of the crackers. The control crackers scored highest for overall acceptability and this was followed closely by the crackers enriched with 2.5% LBP and 1.0% SLP. Nutritious and acceptable crackers could thus be produced with 1.0% SLP and 2.5% LBP incorporation.