Development of oat based cereal bars with high dietary fiber content

Cereal bars are a nutritional food of sweetened and acceptable flavor and are a source of vitamins, minerals, fibers, proteins and complex carbohydrates. The objective of this work was to study the effect of dietary fiber concentration and sugar in cereal bars made of oats with a high dietary fiber content. In the research, oat flakes, bran and flour from cultivar UPFA 22, selected on the basis of the dietary fiber and beta-glucans content, were used. The ingredients were used in amounts defined in laboratory tests. The experiment was carried out using a central composite rotational design applicable to the response surface methodology (RSM), and the effects of the sugar syrup concentration (70, 75 and 80 degrees Brix) and dietary fiber content in the formulation (12, 16 and 20%) on the chemical composition, calorie value, water activity microbiology and sensorial characteristics of the cereal bars were evaluated. The results were analyzed by multiple regression and the significant linear, quadratic and interaction terms were used in the second order mathematical model. The results showed that oats can be used as an ingredient when making cereals bars presenting an adequate texture, flavor and appearance. The oats used in the formulation makes cereal bars with high dietary fiber and P-glucan content. The bars present acceptable sensorial properties, similar to the industrialized bars, with higher acceptability when made with average concentration of sugar and high dietary fiber content. The cereal bars present low water activity and are within sanitary specifications and can be stored for 60 days.