Techno-functional, antioxidants, microstructural, and sensory characteristics of biscuits as affected by fat replacer using roasted and germinated chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Obesity is one of the major causes of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) associated with a dietary pattern rich in saturated fat. The present study utilized roasted and germinated chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) flour (RCPF and GCPF) as a replacement for fat in biscuits, known to have nutraceutical properties. The fat content was modified using the following ratios: 10%, 20%, and 30% (w/w) of RCPF/GCPF. Based on the physicochemical analysis, increased concentrations of RCPF and GCPF in the flour blends resulted in higher levels of protein, ash, and crude fiber contents. GCPF was found to contain higher levels of protein (20.20%), ash (4.86%), and crude fiber (3.64%) compared to RCPF. Increased RCPF and GCPF levels resulted in reduction of gluten content, which indicated weak gluten network. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of biscuit samples further supported these observations. The farinograph properties showed significant increase (P