Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Cereal-based energy bars have gained widespread popularity as convenient, nutrient-dense snacks, particularly among athletes, health-conscious individuals, and busy professionals. The fortification of these bars with functional ingredients such as milk powders and protein concentrates has the potential to enhance their nutritional profile. This study investigates the biochemical impacts of adding milk powders and protein concentrates to cereal-based energy bars, focusing on protein content, amino acid composition, protein digestibility, fatty acid profile, and sensory attributes. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of these ingredients significantly increases the protein content and improves the amino acid profile, with the combination of milk powders and protein concentrates yielding the highest protein digestibility and the most favorable fatty acid composition. Sensory evaluation confirmed that the combination formulation was the most accepted by consumers, showing superior taste, texture, and overall acceptability. These findings suggest that the incorporation of protein concentrates and milk powders can significantly enhance the nutritional and sensory qualities of energy bars, offering a valuable option for those seeking a functional, high-protein snack.