Effect of zinc-rice grit flour on the physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties of gluten-free biscuits

The utilisation of rice flour to produce gluten-free food applications is highly popular as consumers become more aware of celiac disease and safety for baby-led weaning products. The present work investigated the development of gluten-free biscuits made from rice grits flour (RGF). The physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties of the products were also evaluated. Rice grits used were from the Inpari 32 and Inpari IR Nutri Zinc types. Results showed that incorporating RGF into biscuit ingredients showed a lot of potential since RGF retained its nutritional value, especially vitamin A and microminerals such as zinc and iron, as well as protein (8.4 - 9.6%), which are all needed to prevent stunting. The Inpari IR Nutri Zinc flour had less amylose (21.12%) and smaller particles than the Inpari 32 flour (amylose: 23.42%) and commercial flour, which resulted in lower hardness level and lower final viscosity. Vitamin A content of biscuits produced from the Inpari IR Nutri Zinc was lower (367 IU/100 g) as compared to the Inpari 32 (412 IU/100 g). The amounts of zinc in the final product were 15 and 12 ppm for the Inpari IR Nutri Zinc and Inpari 32, respectively. Both the Inpari IR Nutri Zinc (19 ppm) and Inpari 32 (73 ppm), which were RGF biscuits, had less iron than commercial biscuit (119 ppm). There were no significant differences among biscuit products in terms of sensory analysis.