Vol. 7, Issue 5, Part C (2025)

The escalating global burden of malnutrition necessitates innovative food-based interventions that combine nutritional adequacy with cultural acceptability. This study presents the development and comprehensive proximate analysis of a novel millet-based nutri-bar, designed to address micronutrient deficiencies while maintaining organoleptic appeal. Three distinct formulations were engineered by systematically varying the proportions of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), complemented with indigenous ingredients including jaggery, dates, and oilseeds. The optimized formulation (T₃) demonstrated exceptional nutritional characteristics, exhibiting 7% crude protein, 7.26% dietary fiber, 6.16% crude fat, and 64.34% complex carbohydrates, while maintaining low moisture content (4.40%) for enhanced shelf stability. The product delivered 339.70±3.14 kcal/100g, with a balanced macronutrient profile achieved through meticulous ingredient selection and processing. Notably, the ash content (5.40%) indicated substantial mineral retention, a critical factor in addressing micronutrient malnutrition. These findings substantiate the potential of millet-based nutri-bars as scientifically formulated, culturally appropriate vehicles for nutrient delivery in food-insecure populations, while simultaneously promoting the utilization of climate-resilient crops. The study provides a replicable framework for developing region-specific nutritional interventions through systematic compositional optimization and rigorous quality evaluation.