Development of multigrain snack bar with tempeh flour and spirulina for adolescent nutrition

Nur Khoiriyah* -  Department of nutrition, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Cirebon, Cirebon, Indonesia
Liliek Pratiwi -  Department of nursing Science, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Cirebon, Cirebon., Indonesia
Muhammad Zakaria -  Department of nutrition, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Cirebon, Cirebon, Indonesia
Lahana Deling -  Department of nutrition, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Cirebon, Cirebon., Indonesia

The prevalence of adolescent malnutrition in Indonesia is still high, namely stunting (23,7-24,1%), overweight/obesity (12,1-16,2%), and anemia (16,2%). One contributing factor is the consumption of unhealthy foods. This study aimed to develop a multigrain snack bar by adding tempeh flour and Spirulina, which provide protein, iron, and fiber, to prevent malnutrition. This study was conducted from March to May 2025 using a completely randomized design with tempeh flour and spirulina powder proportions of 95:5 (F1), 90:10 (F2), and 85:15 (F3). The product formulation was performed at the Nutrition Laboratory of Universitas Muhammadiyah Cirebon, Cirebon. The analysis included organoleptic (30 panelists), nutritional content, formula selection, and nutritional contribution analyses. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with Duncan’s test. There were significant differences in color, aroma, taste, overall, ash, fat, protein, carbohydrate, and iron content among the formulations (p<0.05). F1 was the optimal formulation, with 17,63% protein, 3,24 mg/100 g iron, and 3,86% fiber. One serving (20 g) contributed 4-5% of the energy requirement for adolescents (13-18 years). In conclusion, F1 was the most preferred and provided essential nutrients to meet the needs of adolescents. This study is novel in that it develops a product from tempeh and Spirulina as a potential innovative solution to address nutritional problems in adolescents.

Keywords : Adolescent malnutrition, multigrain snack bar, spirulina, tempeh flour, functional food

  1. Aleksandrovna, G., Viktorovna, N. L., & Dementievna, Z. I. (2019). Spirulina as a protein ingredient in a sports nutrition drink. Advances in Health Sciences Research, 17, 162–166. https://doi.org/10.2991/icistis-19.2019.42
  2. Al-Jawaldeh, A., Taktouk, M., & Nasreddine, L. (2020). Food consumption patterns and nutrient intakes of children and adolescents in the Eastern Mediterranean region: A call for policy action. Nutrients, 12(11), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113345
  3. Anvar, A. A., & Nowruzi, B. (2021). Bioactive properties of Spirulina: A review. Microbial Bioactives, 4(1), 134–142. https://doi.org/10.25163/microbbioacts.412117B0719110521
  4. Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan. (2016). Peraturan Kepala Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan Republik Indonesia Nomor 9 Tahun 2016 tentang acuan label gizi. https://standarpangan.pom.go.id/dokumen/peraturan/2016/Perka_BPOM_No_9_Tahun_2016_tentang_Acuan_Label_Gizi.pdf
  5. Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan. (2022). Peraturan Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan Nomor 1 Tahun 2022 tentang pengawasan klaim pada label dan iklan pangan olahan. https://standarpangan.pom.go.id/dokumen/peraturan/202x/PerBPOM_No_1_Tahun_2022_tentang_Pengawasan_Klaim_Pada_Label_dan_Iklan_Pangan_Olahan.pdf
  6. Bakara, T. L., Rumida, & Naibaho, J. (2024). Development of cookies made from red kidney beans, oyster mushroom, catfish, and fermented soybean flours as a food alternative for stunting kids in Indonesia. Food and Humanity, 2, Article 100308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foohum.2024.100308
  7. Barennes, H., Houdart, L., de Courville, C., & Barennes, F. (2022). Spirulina as a daily nutritional supplement of young pre-school Cambodian children of deprived settings: A single-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. BMC Pediatrics, 22(1), 701. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-022-03766-5
  8. Bayat Tork, M., Vazifedoost, M., Hesarinejad, M. A., Didar, Z., & Shafafi Zenoozian, M. (2022). Fabrication of dragee containing Spirulina platensis microalgae to enrich corn snack and evaluate its sensorial, physicochemical and nutritional properties. Foods, 11(13), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11131909
  9. Bortolini, D. G., Maciel, G. M., Fernandes, I. de A. A., Pedro, A. C., Rubio, F. T. V., Branco, I. G., & Haminiuk, C. W. I. (2022). Functional properties of bioactive compounds from Spirulina spp.: Current status and future trends. Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences, 5, Article 100134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fochms.2022.100134
  10. Bosnea, L., Terpou, A., Pappa, E., Kondyli, E., Mataragas, M., Markou, G., & Katsaros, G. (2021). Incorporation of Spirulina platensis on traditional Greek soft cheese with respect to its nutritional and sensory perspectives. Foods. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods_2020-07600
  11. Bourekoua, H., Djeghim, F., Ayad, R., Benabdelkader, A., Bouakkaz, A., Dziki, D., & Różyło, R. (2023). Development of energy-rich and fiber-rich bars based on puffed and non-puffed cereals. Processes, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11030813
  12. Campos, V., Tappy, L., Bally, L., Sievenpiper, J. L., & Lê, K. A. (2022). Importance of carbohydrate quality: What does it mean and how to measure it? The Journal of Nutrition, 152(5), 1200–1206. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxac039
  13. Casey, C., Huang, Q., Talegawkar, S. A., Sylvetsky, A. C., Sacheck, J. M., DiPietro, L., & Lora, K. R. (2021). Added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium intake from snacks among U.S. adolescents by eating location. Preventive Medicine Reports, 24, Article 101630. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101630
  14. Castillo-Barzola, A., Paisig, H. L., Faieta, M., Jordán-Suárez, O., Porras-Sosa, E., & Tuesta, T. (2025). Effect of microencapsulation by spray drying on the protein content of Spirulina. Italian Journal of Food Science, 37(2), 423–439. https://doi.org/10.15586/ijfs.v37i2.2859
  15. Cohen, C. T., & Powers, J. M. (2024). Nutritional strategies for managing iron deficiency in adolescents: Approaches to a challenging but common problem. Advances in Nutrition, 15(5)*, Article 100215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100215
  16. Colonia, B. S. O., de Melo Pereira, G. V., Carvalho, J. C. de, Karp, S. G., Rodrigues, C., Soccol, V. T., Fanka, L. S., & Soccol, C. R. (2023). Deodorization of algae biomass to overcome off-flavors and odor issues for developing new food products: Innovations, trends, and applications. Food Chemistry Advances, 2, Article 100270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.focha.2023.100270
  17. de Melo, P. F., Kalschne, D. L., da Silva-Buzanello, R. A., Amaral, J. S., Torquato, A. S., Corso, M. P., Falcão, H. G., Colla, E., Ida, E. I., & Canan, C. (2020). Cereal bars functionalised with tempeh: Nutritional composition, isoflavone content and consumer acceptance. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 55(1), 397–405. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.14384
  18. de Oliveira, T. T. B., dos Reis, I. M., de Souza, M. B., Bispo, E. da S., Maciel, L. F., Druzian, J. I., Tavares, P. P. L. G., Cerqueira, A. de O., Morte, E. dos S. B., Glória, M. B. A., Deus, V. L., & de Santana, L. R. R. (2021). Microencapsulation of Spirulina sp. LEB-18 and its incorporation in chocolate milk: Properties and functional potential. LWT, 148, Article 111674. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2021.111674
  19. Dewanti, E. W., Lee, W. C., Tarman, K., Santoso, J., Nurjanah, & Hardiningtyas, S. D. (2024). Total phenolic content and antioxidant properties of hydrophobic compounds edible coating Spirulina snack bar. BIO Web of Conferences, 106. https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202410605003
  20. Doiphode, S. S., & Mane, K. A. (2021). Effect of storage on quality of Spirulina snack bars. International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science, 8(8), 268–275. https://doi.org/10.22161/ijaers.88.31
  21. Ersyah, D., Jaziri, A. A., & Setijawati, D. (2022). Effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) powder on the physico-chemical and sensory characterization of dry noodle. Journal of Aquaculture and Fish Health, 11(3), 277–288. https://doi.org/10.20473/jafh.v11i3.20908
  22. Ghassani, A. M., Agustini, R., Kimia, J., Matematika, F., Ilmu, D., & Alam, P. (2022). Formulation of flavor enhancer from shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) with the addition of mackerel fish (Scomberomorus commerson) and dregs tofu hydrolysates. Indonesian Journal of Chemical Science, 11(3), 222–232. http://journal.unnes.ac.id/sju/index.php/ijcs
  23. Ginting, S. M. D., Februhartanty, J., & Khusun, H. (2024). Association between consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages with nutritional status of private senior high school students in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. World Nutrition Journal, 7(2), 90–103. https://doi.org/10.25220/wnj.v07.i2.0011
  24. Grover, P., Bhatnagar, A., Kumari, N., Bhatt, A. N., Nishad, D. K., & Purkayastha, J. (2021). C-phycocyanin: A novel protein from Spirulina platensis—In vivo toxicity, antioxidant and immunomodulatory studies. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 28(3), 1853–1859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.12.037
  25. Hanum, A. L., & Nuraeni, A. (2024). Daya terima puding jagung dengan substitusi kacang hijau sebagai alternatif PMT balita. Jurnal Sains Boga, 7(2), 103–114. https://doi.org/10.21009/jsb.007.2.05
  26. Herdianto, F. W., Yulistiani, R., & Sarofa, U. (2025). Consumer preference analysis of snack bar product attributes in Surabaya using conjoint analysis method. Asian Journal of Applied Research for Community Development and Empowerment, 9(1), 182–187. https://doi.org/10.29165/ajarcde.v9i1.604
  27. Hidayanti, L., Rahfiludin, M. Z., Nugraheni, S. A., & Murwani, R. (2025). Association of malnutrition and main-meal- and snack-predominant intake among female adolescent students in boarding schools in Tasikmalaya, Indonesia. Nutrition and Health, 31(1), 235–246. https://doi.org/10.1177/02601060231166224
  28. Hidayanti, L., Saraswati, D., & Aisyah, I. S. (2023). Food intake, dietary quality and nutritional status of female adolescent in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 19(6), 95–100. https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.19.6.13
  29. Indriyastuti, H. I., & Kartono, D. T. (2022). Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) program on the management of stunting cases in Indonesia. International Journal of Recent Research in Interdisciplinary Sciences, 9(2), 60–65. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6631152
  30. Islam, M. R., Rahman, S. M., Rahman, M. M., Pervin, J., Rahman, A., & Ekström, E.-C. (2022). Gender and socio-economic stratification of ultra-processed and deep-fried food consumption among rural adolescents: A cross-sectional study from Bangladesh. PLOS ONE, 17(7), Article e0272275. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0272275
  31. Joshi, H., & Bisht, B. (2020). A review: Nutritional benefits of plant-based seed-nut butter. International Journal of Engineering Applied Sciences and Technology, 5, 471–473. http://www.ijeast.com
  32. Kementerian Kesehatan. (2019). Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan Republik Indonesia Nomor 28 Tahun 2019 tentang angka kecukupan gizi yang dianjurkan untuk masyarakat Indonesia. https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/138621/permenkes-no-28-tahun-2019
  33. Kementerian Kesehatan. (2020). Tabel komposisi pangan Indonesia.
  34. Kementerian Kesehatan. (2023). Survei kesehatan Indonesia (SKI) dalam angka.
  35. Khoiriyah, N., Haifa, H., & Yulistianingsih, A. (2025). Formulation of granola bar based on soybean and moringa leaf flour as alternative snack for adolescent. BIS Health and Environmental Science, 2, Article V225014. https://doi.org/10.31603/bishes.253
  36. Khoirunnisa, M., Devaera, Y., Fahmida, U., Witjaksono, F., & Prafiantini, E. (2021). Protein and iron intake adequacy among high school girls in Depok, Indonesia. World Nutrition Journal, 4(2), 18–25. https://doi.org/10.25220/WNJ.V04.i2.0004
  37. Komarulzaman, A., Andoyo, R., Anna, Z., Ghina, A. A., Halim, P. R., Napitupulu, H., Karunia, M. R., & Andriani, A. (2023). Achieving zero stunting: A sustainable development goal interlinkage approach at district level. Sustainability, 15(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118890
  38. Lacurezeanu, A., & Vodnar, D. C. (2025). Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris consumption on iron status: A systematic review of in vivo studies. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, Article e70318. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.70318
  39. Lucas, B. F., da Rosa, A. P. C., de Carvalho, L. F., de Morais, M. G., Santos, T. D., & Costa, J. A. V. (2020). Snack bars enriched with Spirulina for schoolchildren nutrition. Food Science and Technology, 40(1), 147–152. https://doi.org/10.1590/fst.06719
  40. Mafe, A. N., Edo, G. I., Makia, R. S., Joshua, O. A., Akpoghelie, P. O., Gaaz, T. S., Jikah, A. N., Yousif, E., Isoje, E. F., Igbuku, U. A., Ahmed, D. S., Essaghah, A. E. A., & Umar, H. (2024). A review on food spoilage mechanisms, food borne diseases and commercial aspects of food preservation and processing. Food Chemistry Advances, 5, Article 100852. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.focha.2024.100852
  41. Mawarno, B. A. S., & Putri, A. S. (2022). Karakteristik fisikokimia dan sensoris snack bar tinggi protein bebas gluten dengan variasi tepung beras, tepung kedelai dan tepung tempe. AgriHealth: Journal of Agri-Food, Nutrition and Public Health, 3(1), 47. https://doi.org/10.20961/agrihealth.v3i1.60632
  42. Musfira, M., & Hadju, V. (2024). Nutrition and dietary intake of adolescent girls in Indonesia: A systematic review. Scripta Medica, 55(4), 473–487. https://doi.org/10.5937/scriptamed55-49461
  43. Nourmohammadi, N., Soleimanian-Zad, S., & Shekarchizadeh, H. (2020). Effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) microencapsulated in alginate and whey protein concentrate addition on physicochemical and organoleptic properties of functional stirred yogurt. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 100(14), 5260–5268. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.10576
  44. Ottombrino, A., Cianciabella, M., Medoro, C., Picariello, A., Oliviero, A., De Sena, V., Predieri, S., & Rossi, M. (2025). Sensory analyses driven formulation of fruit cereal bars enriched with Arthrospira platensis dried powder. Food Science & Nutrition, 13(4), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.70154
  45. Paula da Silva, S., Ferreira do Valle, A., & Perrone, D. (2021). Microencapsulated Spirulina maxima biomass as an ingredient for the production of nutritionally enriched and sensorially well-accepted vegan biscuits. LWT, 142, Article 110997. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2021.110997
  46. Podgórska-Kryszczuk, I. (2024). Spirulina—An invaluable source of macro- and micronutrients with broad biological activity and application potential. Molecules, 29(22), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29225387
  47. Pries, A. M., Filteau, S., & Ferguson, E. L. (2019). Snack food and beverage consumption and young child nutrition in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 15(S4), Article e12729. https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.12729
  48. Priyanka, S., Varsha, R., Verma, R., & Babu, A. S. (2023). Spirulina: A spotlight on its nutraceutical properties and food processing applications. Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Food Sciences, 12(6), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.55251/jmbfs.4785
  49. Putri, T. A. N., Rahmadhani, I. P. D., & Purbowo, P. (2025). Analisis SWOT pengembangan usaha tempe di Desa Tambakberas. Jurnal Ilmiah Agribisnis, 10(1), 60–69. https://doi.org/10.37149/jia.v10i1.1781
  50. Rachmi, C. N., Jusril, H., Ariawan, I., Beal, T., & Sutrisna, A. (2021). Eating behaviour of Indonesian adolescents: A systematic review of the literature. Public Health Nutrition, 24, 84–97. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980020002876
  51. Ratnayani, R., Iwansyah, A. C., Khasanah, T. A., Ariani, D., Herawati, E. R. N., & Adriansyah, R. C. E. (2025). Nutritional profile and potential of tempeh flour and date seed flour as mixed complementary foods for chronic malnourished children. AcTion: Aceh Nutrition Journal, 10(2), 290–301. https://doi.org/10.30867/action.v10i2.2381
  52. Romulo, A., & Surya, R. (2021). Tempe: A traditional fermented food of Indonesia and its health benefits. International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science, 26, Article 100413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgfs.2021.100413
  53. Sandhya, J. J., & Kanniammal, C. (2024). Development and sensory evaluation of Moringa oleifera–enriched snack bar for micronutrients deficiency in adolescents. International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases, 14(4), 425–431. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijnpnd.ijnpnd_102_24
  54. Sari, N. P. (2024). Effects of tempeh flour snack bar on organoleptic tests and nutritional content as a snack for athletes. Sport and Nutrition Journal, 6(1), 50–57. https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/spnj
  55. Sari, N. W., Djokosujono, K., Utari, D. M., & Rohayati, N. (2022). Availability of sugar-sweetened beverages at home as the dominant factor related to its consumption among students of SMAN 47 Jakarta, Indonesia. Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition, 3(1), 32–42. https://doi.org/10.7454/ijphn.v3i1.6176
  56. Senila, L., Kovacs, E., & Roman, C. (2025). Chemical characterization, lipid profile, and volatile compounds in Chlorella sp. and Spirulina platensis: A promising feedstock for various applications. Molecules, 30(7), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30071499
  57. Sholichah, E., Indrianti, N., Yulianti, L. E., Sarifudin, A., & Kiatponglarp, W. (2020). Impact of tempeh flour supplementation on the properties of non-gluten pasta product. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 20(7), 16905–16921. https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.95.19485
  58. Sithole, T. R., Ma, Y. X., Qin, Z., Liu, H. M., & Wang, X. D. (2022). Influence of peanut varieties on the sensory quality of peanut butter. Foods, 11(21), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11213499
  59. Wang, C.-W., Chen, D.-R., Chan, C.-C., Yeh, Y.-P., & Chen, H.-H. (2022). “I knew I should stop, but I couldn’t control myself”: A qualitative study to explore the factors influencing adolescents’ consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and sugary snacks from a socio-ecological perspective. Public Health Nutrition, 25(9), 2465–2474. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980022001185
  60. Yuliani Rambe, S., Pratita, W., Saing, J. H., Wahyuni, A. S., Evalina, R., & Dalimunthe, W. (2021). The correlation of dietary fiber intake with nutritional status among adolescents of junior high school in Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia. International Journal of Research Publications, 91(1), 265–271. https://doi.org/10.47119/ijrp1009111220212613
  61. Zaidi, R., Yousaf, K., Janjua, H., & Abbas, K. (2025). Spirulina as a functional food ingredient: Physical and chemical properties of supplemented cookies. Middle East Research Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, 5(2), 12–20. https://doi.org/10.36348/merjafs.2025.v05i02.001

Open Access Copyright (c) 2026 Nur Khoiriyah, Liliek Pratiwi, Muhammad Zakaria, Lahana Deling
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

AcTion: Aceh Nutrition Journal
Published by: Department of Nutrition at the Health Polytechnic of Aceh, Ministry of Health.
Soekarno-Hatta Street, No. 168. Health Polytechnic of Aceh, Aceh Besar, 23352. Telp/Fax: 0651 46126 / 0651 46121.
Website: https://gizipoltekkesaceh.ac.id/
E-mail: jurnal6121@gmail.com

e-issn: 2548-5741, p-issn: 2527-3310

All content is licensed under a: Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 International License

View My Stats

Get a feed by atom here, RRS2 here and OAI Links here