Novel high protein-energy balls formulated with Date paste enriched with Samh Seeds Powder and/or Different Milk Protein Origins: Effect on Protein Digestibility in vitro and Glycemic Response in young adults

Hathami Alsuhebani ¹ Sally S. Sakr ^1,2 Hany Elkashef ² Reham M. Algheshairy ¹ Hani A. Alfheeaid ¹ Metab Algeffari ^3,4 Hend F. Alharbi ^1*

• ¹ Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Food, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
• ² Dairy Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
• ³ Family and Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
• ⁴ Abdullah Al-Othaim Diabetes Center, Medical City, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: The rising demand for convenient and nutritious food options, especially among young adults with fast-paced lifestyles, highlights the need for quick energy and protein sources during physical activities and breakfast. Consequently, aimed to formulate and evaluate the nutritional, functional, and glycemic properties of high-protein energy balls using Sukkari date paste a variety of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L) paste, samh seed (Mesembryanthemum forsskalei Hochst) powder, whey protein concentrate, and camel milk powder. Methods: The nutritional value of the formulated balls was evaluated by assessing their chemical composition, dietary fibers, amino acids (AAs), and fatty acids (FAs). Additionally, antioxidant properties were determined using the DPPH method and reducing power assays. In vitro protein digestibility was also measured. The in vitro glycemic index and glycemic load, as well as the human glycemic response for various samples, were examined.Results: The study found that combining date paste, samh seeds, and camel milk powder or whey protein concentrate showed high nutritional value and significant DPPH radical scavenging activity. Sensory evaluations indicated high acceptability of all samples. In vitro studies showed higher protein digestibility in samples with both Samh seeds powder and whey protein concentrate or camel milk powder. All samples had low in vitro glycemic index and load. Human glycemic response evaluation showed no post-meal hyperglycemia, indicating a normal glycemic response in healthy young adults.Conclusions. Combining Samh seed powder with dairy proteins to create protein-energy balls using Sukkari date paste results in nutritious snacks that are rich in amino acids, fatty acids, dietary fibers, and antioxidant compounds. These snacks also have a low glycemic response and high protein digestibility in vitro. Therefore, high-protein energy balls made from date paste enriched with Samh seed powder, along with either camel milk or whey protein powders, are recommended as a protein and energy source for healthy young adults who do not experience post-meal hyperglycemia.