Development and evaluation of a blenderized enteral formula based on tempeh and pumpkin flour compared with a commercial enteral formula for a high-energy, high-protein (HEHP) diet: Nutritional, physical, and sensory characteristics for nutrition support

Aliyya Salma Putri* -  Dietitian Profession Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
Destriana Putri Ayu Ningtyas -  Dietitian Profession Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
Adinda Oktaviana Milawati -  Dietitian Profession Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
Lola Ayu Istifiani -  Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
DOI : 10.30867/action.v11i3.3167

Natural food-based enteral formulas are gaining attention; however, their use in patients with cancer has not been widely reported. This study aimed to determine the nutritional, physical, and sensory characteristics of a blenderized enteral formula (EBF) based on local foods (tempeh flour and pumpkin flour) compared with a commercial enteral formula (CEF). This experimental study was conducted from September to December 2025 at the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Brawijaya University. Energy and protein content, viscosity, flow characteristics, and sensory acceptability of the EBFs and CEF were evaluated. Sensory acceptability was assessed by 32 untrained panelists. The costs of three EBF formulations (F1–F3) were compared with that of the commercial formula (F0). F1 had the highest energy density (1.21 kcal/mL) and protein content (5.75 ± 0.12%), as well as the lowest flow time (162.67 ± 2.08 s) and viscosity (127.67 ± 2.52 cP) among the EBFs. Sensory scores for F2 included color (5.59 ± 1.7), aroma (6.28 ± 1.3), texture (6.47 ± 1.4), and flavor (5.34 ± 1.9). F3 had the lowest cost. In conclusion, F1 was identified as the best EBF for an HEHP diet based on its nutritional and physical characteristics; however, further formulation improvement and testing in patients with cancer are required.

Keywords : Cancer patients, blenderized enteral formula, high-energy high-protein diet, tempeh flour, pumpkin flour

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Open Access Copyright (c) 2026 Aliyya Salma Putri, Destriana Putri Ayu Ningtyas, Adinda Oktaviana Milawati, Lola Ayu Istifiani
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