Chemical and antioxidant characterization, sensory and shelf-life analysis of cereal bars with almonds from pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.)

Abstract The study aimed to know how almonds from Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.), a byproduct of this fruit from Brazilian Cerrado, can be used to improve value to cereal bars. To respond to this question, the study characterized pequi almonds and cereal bars with pequi, and evaluate sensory acceptance. The preparation of cereal bars enriched with pequi almonds consisted of 3 formulations: standard (0%, pequi almond), formulation A (12.5% almond) and formulation B (25.0% almond). The best results were obtained through drying kinetics for the use of almonds in the formulations. Later, they were subjected to physicochemical analyses: moisture, ash and lipids, pH and soluble solids, crude fiber, proteins, sugar content and color index (L*, a* and b*), antioxidant capacity and sensory analysis which relied on 108 consumers. The blind test was applied and the information was used to evaluate the attributes: color, taste, texture, overall impression and purchase intention. Pequi almond obtained: 27.99% of fibers, 29.62% of proteins and 35.36% of lipids (composed mainly of oleic acid 57.65%, followed by 27.43% of palmitic acid). The results showed that the sensory acceptance for the consumers increased when they found out that the cereal bars contained pequi. Regarding the blind test (without information on the product), it was concluded that consumers appreciate new products with this fruit from the cerrado.