• Kalai Amutha G
• MS Sneha S
• Dr P S Prathibha

Malnutrition is a pressing concern, especially in India, and the ongoing efforts to combat it through initiatives like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme are full-fledged. The development of cost-effective children-centered snacks that are nutritionally balanced has drawn attention among researchers and nutritionists. This study focused on assessing the acceptance and cost-effectiveness of laddu variations incorporating pearl millet, green gram, and peanuts as major ingredients, offering insights into the promotion of nutritious and budget-friendly snacks to address nutritional and economic obstacles in food security. Millets being the powerhouses of nutrients, are the most underrated ingredient in the development of cost-effective snacks. This study utilizes pearl millet and green gram to prepare nutrient-dense laddu in various proportions to identify the most acceptable product. The three samples, sample A, sample B, and sample C are then subjected to sensory analysis using a 5-point hedonic scale. In conclusion, sample A (pearl millet – 100g, green gram – 100g) demonstrated significantly higher overall acceptance than the other samples in this study. This low-cost, nutritious laddu made from locally sourced ingredients presents a timely solution to addressing malnutrition challenges in India. Its widespread adoption has the potential to positively impact public health outcomes and combat malnutrition effectively.

pearl millet and green gram laddu, snack for school children, cost-effective and nutrient-dense.

"Development And Standardization Of Legume And Millet-Based Nutrient-Dense Snacks To Combat Malnutrition In School-Going Children In India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 3, page no.i87-i91, March-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2403812.pdf

"Development And Standardization Of Legume And Millet-Based Nutrient-Dense Snacks To Combat Malnutrition In School-Going Children In India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 3, page no. ppi87-i91, March-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2403812.pdf