Current gluten-free food development trends tend to favour pigmented rice flour. Bario Merah Sederhana is a type of red-pigmented rice that is indigenous to Sarawak, Malaysia. This research investigates the nutritional, texture, and sensory properties of gluten-free rice bread produced from a composite of BMS rice flour and potato starch, producing samples referred to as F1 (100:0), F2 (90:10), F3 (80:20), and F4 (70:30). The gluten-free rice bread formulations demonstrated higher ash and crude fibre content and lower carbohydrate content than wheat bread. However, the crude protein content of the bread decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with a decreased amount of rice flour, owing to wheat flour containing greater protein. The crumb of rice bread appeared to be darker due to the red pigment of rice flour; in contrast, the crust was lighter than the control sample, possibly due to a lower Maillard reaction. Among rice bread formulations, F4 demonstrated the lowest hardness in dough and bread, as well as the highest stickiness and springiness in dough and bread, respectively. The wheat bread received the highest rating (p < 0.05) in the sensory test; nonetheless, among the rice breads, F4 was considered to be an acceptable formulation owing to its high score in colour (7.03), flavour (5.73), texture (6.03), and overall acceptability (6.18). BMS has potential in gluten-free rice breads; the formulation of 70% rice flour combined with 30% potato starch was indicated to be acceptable.

Gluten-free grains have been intensively studied as alternatives to wheat flour. Bario rice, an indigenous crop from Sarawak, Malaysia, is noted for its excellent aroma and taste. This research examined the nutritional and physicochemical properties of Bario rice flour variations. Four Bario varieties—Bario Adan Halus (white), Bario Tuan (brown), Bario Celum (black), and Bario Merah Sederhana (red)—were analysed against the reference sample. The results revealed Bario samples containing moisture contents from 8.35% to 8.69%, ash contents from 0.27% to 1.25%, crude protein contents from 6.89% to 9.43%, crude fat contents from 0.16% to 2.45%, crude fibre contents from 0.21% to 0.87%, and carbohydrate contents from 79.17% to 82.13%. All Bario rice flour contains high amylose contents (26.67% to 36.52%), which positively impact loaf volume. The water absorption capacity (1.20 g/g to 1.26 g/g) of all samples shows no significant difference (p > 0.05). The swelling capacity was significantly (p < 0.05) high in non-pigmented rice flour. In contrast, pigmented Bario rice flour presented a greater water solubility index than non-pigmented Bario rice flour. The Bario rice flour gelatinisation onset (71.43 °C to 76.49 °C) and peak (77.03 °C to 79.56 °C) temperature were lower than those of the control sample. Higher gelatinisation enthalpy was presented by Bario rice flour (1.23 J/g to 2.59 J/g) than by the control (0.79 J/g). Retrogradation onset (42.65 °C to 50.79 °C), peak (53.64 °C to 56.15 °C) temperatures, and enthalpy (0.19 J/g to 0.87 J/g) were greater in Bario rice flour compared with those in the control. The research suggests that Bario rice flour has potential for use in gluten-free bread mainly due to the relevant carbohydrates, crude proteins, amylose, and swelling capacity.

Red rice flour (RRF) is renowned for its nutritional richness, particularly in terms of total dietary fiber and essential minerals. This flour is derived from red rice, a variety of rice known for its distinctive red husk and bran layer. The study aimed to identify the best formulation through sensory evaluation, determine nutritional composition, physical characteristics, and assess shelf life compared to a control cookie. Five formulations of red rice cookies were prepared with RRF substitution levels ranging from 20% to 100%. The F2 red rice cookie with 40% RRF substitution was chosen as the best formulation based on sensory evaluation. It showed similarities to the control cookie in terms of sensory attributes. Nutritional analysis revealed lower moisture and crude protein content but higher crude fiber and total dietary fiber in the F2 compared to the control. Physical analysis showed lower hardness and different color characteristics for the F2. Consumer study results indicated high acceptability for the F2 red rice cookie. In conclusion, this study offers a promising strategy to improve the nutritional profile of cookies by boosting their dietary fiber content, effectively addressing a common deficiency observed in cookies made with conventional wheat flour.

Aim: This study aimed to develop a corn-based instant cereal enriched with chickpea and carrot using drum drying, and to evaluate the effects of formulation on nutritional composition, functional properties, colour characteristics, sensory acceptability, and short-term storage stability. Methods: Five formulations were prepared by varying chickpea (0–40%) and carrot (0–40%) proportions. Proximate composition, total dietary fibre (TDF), antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), colour parameters, sensory acceptability (9-point hedonic scale, n = 50), and water activity (aw) during 28 days of storage were analyzed. Results: Moisture content ranged from 6.32 ± 0.11% to 10.42 ± 0.20%, while protein content increased significantly from 0.63 ± 0.08% (control) to 18.66 ± 0.36% with 40% chickpea incorporation. TDF ranged from 19.81 ± 0.41% to 26.66 ± 0.71%. DPPH radical scavenging activity increased with extract concentration (10–50 mg/mL), with the 40% chickpea formulation exhibiting higher inhibition (70.61 ± 3.50%–83.14 ± 0.23%) compared to the control (64.17 ± 0.14%–82.64 ± 0.16%). Sensory overall acceptability scores (9-point hedonic scale, n = 50) ranged from 4.62 ± 2.16 to 5.92 ± 1.81, with the highest score observed in the 40% chickpea formulation. aw remained low (0.602–0.614) during 28 days of storage, indicating favourable stability. Conclusions: Chickpea fortification significantly enhanced protein, dietary fibre, antioxidant capacity, and sensory acceptability of corn-based instant cereal without compromising storage stability, supporting its potential as a functional food product.