Inulin and maltodextrin can replace fat in baked savoury legume snacks

A baked yellow split pea cracker was developed with fat replacement (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) using inulin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and maltodextrin. Effects of fat replacement on physical (water activity, moisture content, colour and hardness), nutritional properties and consumer acceptance (nine‐point hedonic rating) of snacks were investigated. Water activity (0.15–0.32) and moisture (1.28–3.16%) readings were consistent, and products were considered shelf stable. High levels of fat replacement (100%) were detrimental to snack colour and hardness. Snacks with 75% fat replacement using inulin and maltodextrin received similar mean overall acceptability scores (6.40 ± 1.36 and 6.26 ± 1.37, respectively) to the control and a similar commercial product. These snacks were eligible to claim that they were a ‘good source’ of protein (requirement; ≥10 g per serve) and an ‘excellent source’ of dietary fibre (requirement; ≥7 g per serve) while providing ‘reduced’ fat content (≤25% than reference food) based on the Australian Food Standards Code.