Short dough cookies were enriched with fructoligosaccharide (FOS), a prebiotic soluble fiber and a low calorie sweetener, at levels of 40%, 60%, and 80% sugar replacement basis. Cookies were analyzed for diameter, height, spread ratio, hardness, moisture and acidity of the extracted fat. The mean peak force at 0 month was determined to be 7139 ± 166 g, 7109 ± 75 g, 6970 ± 24 g and 6538 ± 128 g for control (100% sucrose), 40%, 60% and 80% sugar replacement levels cookies respectively. The spread ratio of control cookies was found to be 4.400 and that of FOS based cookies at 40%, 60% and 80% sugar replacement levels was found to be 4.520, 4.983 and 5.205, respectively. Sensory data on a 9 point hedonic scale indicated that the panelists liked FOS cookies (up to 60% sugar replacement) over control cookies because of improved color, texture and appearance. The total fiber content (including oligofructose) of cookies (60% sugar replacement) was 12.1%. As per FDA these cookies can be categorized as 'Good Source' of fiber. Thus, FOS appears to be suitable as a partial replacer of sucrose up to 60% providing increase in the dietary fiber and reduction in the caloric content of cookies.

Whole grain finger millet and sorghum successively replaced commercial soft-type wheat flour in the formulation of multigrain cookies (MGC) at 10-30% levels each. MGC were supplemented with fructoligosaccharide (FOS) at levels of 40%, 60%, and 80% sugar replacement basis. The quality attributes of cookies were evaluated in terms of spread ratio, hardness and nutritional characteristics. The spread ratio of control cookies (CC) was 4.400 and that of MGC with FOS ranged between 4.769 and 7.100. The initial hardness of CC was 70.0 ± 1.6 N and that of MGC with FOS ranged from 69.7 ± 0.7 N to 48.0 ± 1.2 N. MGC with FOS were significantly (p < 0.05) less hard than CC. Sensory data indicated moderate acceptability (OAA score = 7.3 ± 0.5) of MGC with FOS at 60% sugar replacement level, 20% finger millet and 30% sorghum. Total fibre including FOS (per 100 g) was estimated to be 17.4 g and 1.3 g for MGC with FOS and CC respectively. Caloric content of MGC with FOS was 11.7% lower than the CC. Acceptable cookies could be prepared with 50% whole-MG incorporation and up to 60% sugar replacement.

Short dough biscuits were prepared using interesterified trans free bakery shortening (IETFS). Hydrogenated shortening (HS) based biscuits were prepared as a control. The diameter, height and spread ratio were determined. Biscuits were analysed up to 8 months for hardness, moisture and acidity of the extracted fat. IETFS biscuits were significantly (P < 0.05) less hard, had a higher spread ratio and were rated higher on all sensory attributes. Their overall acceptability score on a nine point hedonic scale was 8.2 ± 0.8 as compared to 7.3 ± 0.7 for control biscuits. The fatty acid fraction of control biscuits was: saturated fat, 51.6%; trans fat, 14.5%; monounsaturated fat, 28.0%; and polyunsaturated fat, 5.9% and that of IE trans free biscuits was: saturated fat, 54.8%; trans fat, 0.6%; monounsaturated fat, 38.1%; and polyunsaturated fat, 6.5%. The IETFS was found to be appropriate as an alternate to hydrogenated shortening, providing both functionality and nutritive advantage in biscuits.

Consumers are looking at snack and convenience foods to provide increased fiber in their diet and there is a tremendous interest in low-calorie and low-sugar foods. The demand of whole and multigrain products is also on the rise because of the Government's emphasis. The present study would assist in assessing feasibility of commercial production of such novel health foods. Together with this, it will ascertain the marketability and commercial viability of the product by means of the consumer preference trials. Availability of such cookies in the market would offer consumers "health" with "convenience" and "taste."

Rice grits, corn grits, pulse, wholegrain - finger millet and sorghum were utilized in the production of multigrain extruded puffs using a single screw extruder. The effect of inclusion of fructan - fructoligosaccharide in multi-wholegrain (MWG) extruded puffs was examined. MWG fructan enriched puffs puffs had 450 % higher dietary fiber content than the control puff (CP). These puffs can be categorized as 'Good Source' of fiber as it suffices 17.2 % DV of fiber. Puffs were rated 8.1 ± 0.6, 8.3 ± 0.7, 8.1 ± 0.6, 7.5 ± 0.5 and 8.2 ± 0.6 for color, flavor, texture, appearance and overall acceptability respectively. The scores for all the attributes were found to be not significantly different (p < 0.05) from CP. The MWG fructan puffs were rated higher on flavor than the CP having a score of 8.3 ± 0.7 as opposed to 8.2 ± 0.4 for CP. This indicates that the nutritional quality and acceptability of MWG extruded puffs could be improved by the inclusion of fructans.