Pengembangan Produk Meal Replacement Berbasis Superfoods - Limierta, Clarisa Ve; Efendi, Moch Nur (Institut Pariwisata dan Bisnis Internasional, 2025)
Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh meningkatnya kebutuhan masyarakat akan makanan sehat yang praktis, aman, dan sesuai dengan diet khusus seperti intoleransi gluten, laktosa, serta penderita diabetes. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengembangkan produk meal replacement berbasis superfoods dalam bentuk bubuk instan yang gluten-free, vegan, dan tanpa tambahan gula (no added sugar), dengan menggabungkan bahan lokal bernutrisi tinggi seperti beras hitam, ubi ungu, chia seed, flaxseed, dan almond. Metode penelitian meliputi formulasi resep, analisis laboratorium terhadap komposisi gizi, dan uji sensori melalui wawancara deskriptif terhadap 10 responden dengan kondisi diet khusus. Hasil uji laboratorium menunjukkan bahwa produk ini mengandung kandungan serat tinggi (±19%), protein memadai (±15%), dan kadar gula alami rendah (<5%), serta menyediakan 230 kkal energi per sajian. Sementara itu, Uji sensori mengungkapkan tingkat penerimaan sangat tinggi terhadap rasa alami, aroma khas, tekstur halus, dan warna visual yang menarik. Responden melaporkan manfaat nyata seperti rasa kenyang tahan lama, pencernaan lebih lancar, dan kenyamanan konsumsi yang praktis hanya dengan diseduh air panas. Bahkan, semua responden menyatakan minat beli tinggi dan menganggap Super Fiber sebagai solusi modern untuk gaya hidup sehat yang cepat, aman, dan fungsional. Temuan ini membuktikan bahwa Super Fiber berpotensi menjadi pionir di pasar meal replacement berbasis superfood yang inklusif dan adaptif terhadap tantangan nutrisi masa kini. This research is motivated by the growing public demand for healthy food that is practical, safe, and suitable for special diets such as gluten and lactose intolerance, as well as for individuals with diabetes. The purpose of this study is to develop a meal replacement product based on superfoods in the form of instant powder that is gluten-free, vegan, and contains no added sugar, by combining highly nutritious local ingredients such as black rice, purple sweet potato, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and almonds. The research methods include recipe formulation, laboratory analysis of nutritional composition, and sensory testing through descriptive interviews with five respondents with special dietary needs. Laboratory test results show that the product contains high fiber (±19%), adequate protein (±15%), and low natural sugar content (<5%), while providing 230 kcal of energy per serving. Meanwhile, sensory testing revealed a very high level of acceptance in terms of natural taste, distinctive aroma, smooth texture, and attractive visual color. Respondents reported noticeable benefits such as prolonged satiety, improved digestion, and the convenience of consumption by simply brewing with hot water. Furthermore, all respondents expressed a high interest in purchasing and considered Super Fiber a modern solution for a healthy lifestyle that is fast, safe, and functional. These findings demonstrate that Super Fiber has the potential to become a pioneer in the meal replacement market based on superfoods that is inclusive and adaptive to today’s nutritional challenges.