Evaluation of Proximate Composition, Physicochemical Properties, and Sensory Attributes of Instant Flour from Brewery Spent Grain, by Blending with Maize (Zea mays L.) and Germinated Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is a nutritional-rich by-product of the brewing industry used in different food product development processes. "Corn Soya Blend" (CSB) is prepared from heat-treated maize and soybeans according to the specifications set by the World Food Program (WFP). Three instant formulations-IF20 (70% maize, 10% chickpea, and 20% BSG), IF15 (70% maize, 15% chickpea, and 15% BSG), and IF10 (70% maize, 20% chickpea, and 10% BSG)-were developed in this research. Proximate composition, functional properties, and antinutritional factors were analysed. The sensory quality of porridge samples developed from the instant flour was evaluated using a consumer-oriented panel (food science and technology students) at a five-point hedonic scale. Accordingly, moisture, crude fibre, crude protein, total ash, and crude fat contents increased significantly (p<0.05) as a result of BSG ratio inclusion. Bulk density decreased significantly (p<0.05) while the BSG proportion increased but water absorption capacity increased when the proportion of BSG increased. Phytate and tannin contents were also increased while the BSG proportion increased. However, an increase in germinated chickpea proportion significantly (p<0.05) decreased phytate and tannin contents. While BSG increased, the overall acceptability of porridge samples decreased, with the exception of mouthfeel. According to this study, up to 15% of BSG, 70% maize, and 15% chickpea could be used for instant flour preparation which has a comparable sensory characteristic with the commercial CSB. Hence, it can be used as a substitute for corn-soya mix.