Fortification of wheat white bread: assessing the suitability of Beta vulgaris trough technological, nutritional, and sensory evaluation

Summary As societies undergo shifts in dietary patterns, there is often an increase in nutrition‐related issues. This is particularly evident in the case of wheat bakery products, which have evolved in an unsustainable way. The fortification of wheat flour with vegetables has emerged as a strategy to mitigate the imbalanced composition of white bread. The objective of this study is to address existing knowledge gaps regarding nutritional quality and technological characteristics of food‐to‐food fortified bakery products. A blend of Beta vulgaris powder (up to 5% of the total weight) was incorporated into commercial wheat white flour, and the resulting composition and technological parameters were analysed throughout the bread‐making process, using standard methods (e.g., AAAC, ISO). The sensory assessment of the tested fortified baking products formulations was conducted. The 178 volunteer consumers noted the differences conveyed by B. vulgaris, but scored the taste and colour as acceptable (6 out of 9). Formulations containing moderate amounts of chard (e.g., 2%) were most appreciated. This study demonstrates that B. vulgaris can be employed to enrich white bread, particularly in minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, in a readily actionable manner that is well accepted by consumers. Furthermore, the use of flour blends contributes to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in wheat availability, thereby enhancing food security. Bread, a nutritious fermented food, has evolved into unhealthy and unsustainable bakery products, despite meeting consumer's preferences. It is proposed that so‐called white wheat bread be enriched with minerals and phytochemicals from B. vulgaris (chard) powder. Formulations containing moderate amounts of Swiss chard (e.g., 2%) were well received, which is encouraging with regard to the improvement of nutritional security and the reintroduction of plant flavours into eating habits. This approach may facilitate the implementation of a long‐term strategy of encouraging consumers to make healthier and more sustainable choices.