Protein and Micronutrients Enriched Ready to Cook Foods

Protein and micronutrient malnutrition is a major health burden affecting almost 50% of children below 5 years and women of reproductive age in India. According to National Family and Health Survey 4 (NFHS 4, 2015-16), inability to meet recommended dietary allowances (RDA) of essential nutrients such as proteins, micronutrients such as iron, zinc are major cause for intra uterine growth retardation, iron deficient anemia, stunting and other morbidities.

CSIR-IHBT developed number of ready to cook, instant food products such as dalia, kichdi, and traditional beverage mixes, enriched with proteins, iron, zinc, calcium and vitamins.

1. Nutrient dense ingredients such as millets, pseudo-cereals and pulses
2. Both sweet and savoury variants
3. Single serving of product meets 15% to 20% RDA of proteins, iron, zinc
4. Iron and zinc enrichment through microalga – Spirulina platensis
5. Vitamin D enrichment through Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushroom
6. Ready to reconstitute in hot water or milk
7. No chemical additives or preservatives
8. Cooking time less than 7 minutes