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 Technology Profile

Title:

Production of High-Protein, Low Glycaemic Index (GI) Rice Enriched with Micronutrients

Value Proposition:

Smarter rice for healthier lives- Delivering 3X more protein, low glycaemic index and essential micronutrients for everyday nutrition

Summary Application:

A high-protein, low glycaemic index (GI) “designer rice” has been developed using advanced extrusion technology to address nutritional security and lifestyle-related health challenges.

Rice feeds more than half of the global population, particularly across Asia and Africa. Polished white rice is associated with elevated postprandial blood glucose levels and rising incidence of type 2 diabetes. Concurrently, protein and micronutrient deficiencies often described as “hidden hunger” persist despite adequate caloric intake. Addressing this dual burden requires nutritional enhancement of staple foods without altering dietary patterns.

The designer rice is engineered to:

  • Increase protein content significantly
  • Moderate carbohydrate digestibility for improved glycaemic response

Enrich rice with essential micronutrients to bridge dietary gaps

Key nutritional features of the designer rice

  • Low glycaemic index (GI < 55) - Supports improved blood sugar management and metabolic regulation
  • >20% Protein content - Substantially higher protein levels compared to conventional polished rice
  • Improved dietary fibre - Contributes to digestive health and prolonged satiety
  • Micronutrient enrichment - Includes iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to address dietary deficiencies
Advantages:
  • Enhanced nutritional quality in a widely consumed staple
  • Improved glycaemic control supporting metabolic health
  • Reduction in micronutrient deficiencies
  • Delivery of essential vitamins and minerals within traditional dietary frameworks
  • Improved satiety and favourable sensory acceptance
  • Scalable extrusion-based production suitable for large-scale food systems
Commercialization Status: Licensed awaiting commercialisation
Tech. Readiness Level:
CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology
CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology[CSIR-NIIST]
:  director[at]niist[dot]res[dot]in
:91-471- 2515226
:https://www.niist.res.in
Industrial Applications: Agro-processing [Chemistry, Chemical Processes] Animal/Vegetable Products [Food, Beverages, Tobacco] Beverages [Food, Beverages, Tobacco] Bulk Chemicals [Chemistry, Chemical Processes] Catalysts [Chemistry, Chemical Processes] Chemistry, Chemical Processes Polymers [Chemistry, Chemical Processes] CleanTech [Chemistry, Chemical Processes] Fermentation [Food, Beverages, Tobacco] Food Flavouring [Food, Beverages, Tobacco] Food Processes [Food, Beverages, Tobacco] Inorganic materials [Chemistry, Chemical Processes] Nutrition [Food, Beverages, Tobacco] Reactors/Plants [Chemistry, Chemical Processes] Speciality Chemicals [Chemistry, Chemical Processes] Sterilization [Food, Beverages, Tobacco] Storage [Food, Beverages, Tobacco] Tobacco [Food, Beverages, Tobacco]
Patent Application(s): IN202611020346 (Filed)
Photograph(s)