Formulation and Evaluation of an
Herbal-Based Energy Booster Bar for
Athletes
Abstract
With increasing participation in athletic and fitness activities, there is a growing
demand for convenient, nutritious, and effective energy supplements. This study
focuses on the development of an herbal-based energy booster bar tailored
specifically for athletes. The formulation incorporates both traditional medicinal
herbs and modern functional ingredients, including guarana, ashwagandha, brahmi,
ginseng, fenugreek, dextrose, dark chocolate, peanuts, almonds, cardamom, gulkand,
and jaggery. These ingredients were selected for their potential to enhance energy
levels, endurance, mental clarity, and recovery. The energy bar was evaluated for its
nutritional composition, sensory appeal, shelf stability, and overall functionality.
Results indicate that this herbal energy bar is a promising alternative for athletes
seeking clean-label, plant-based nutrition with performance-enhancing benefits.
1. Introduction
Athletes require optimal nutrition to maintain performance, recover quickly, and
build endurance. Conventional energy bars are often rich in sugars and artificial
additives. This study proposes a natural alternative in the form of a nutrient-dense
energy booster bar that combines the benefits of traditional herbal adaptogens with
nutrient-rich nuts and natural sweeteners. Ingredients like guarana and ginseng
provide sustained energy, while ashwagandha and brahmi help reduce stress and
improve focus. The inclusion of jaggery, gulkand, and cardamom enhances both
nutritional value and flavor. This paper aims to bridge the gap between traditional
Ayurvedic practices and modern sports nutrition.
2. Objectives
- To formulate a natural and energy-rich booster bar using herbal and functional
ingredients.
- To analyze the bar’s nutritional composition, sensory qualities, and shelf stability.
- To evaluate its suitability and effectiveness as a sports supplement for athletes.
3. Ingredients and Their Functional Roles
Each ingredient used in the formulation was selected for its scientifically supported
health benefits and relevance to sports nutrition:
- Guarana: A natural source of caffeine that enhances mental alertness and reduces
fatigue.
- Ashwagandha: An adaptogenic herb known to improve strength, endurance, and
recovery.
- Brahmi: Supports cognitive function, memory, and mental clarity—key attributes
for athletes.
- Ginseng: Enhances physical performance and immune function.
- Fenugreek: Improves metabolism and testosterone levels, benefiting muscle mass
and recovery.
- Dextrose: Provides an immediate source of glucose, ideal for quick energy
replenishment.
- Dark Chocolate: Contains flavonoids and antioxidants that improve circulation and
reduce inflammation.
- Peanuts and Almonds: Offer high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential
vitamins and minerals.
- Cardamom: Aids digestion and adds flavor.
- Gulkand: Acts as a natural coolant and improves gut health.
- Jaggery: A natural sweetener rich in minerals like iron and magnesium, it boosts
energy and aids detoxification.
4. Materials and Methods
The ingredients were sourced from certified suppliers and processed hygienically.
Herbal powders were prepared by drying and grinding roots and leaves. Peanuts
and almonds were roasted and crushed. Dextrose and jaggery were melted to form a
binding syrup with gulkand and dark chocolate. All ingredients were uniformly
mixed and shaped into bars. The bars were packed in airtight wrappers and stored
at room temperature.
Analytical methods included:
- Sensory evaluation by 25 athletic volunteers using a 9-point hedonic scale.
- Nutritional analysis via standard AOAC methods.
- Physicochemical tests for pH, moisture, and water activity.
- Microbial and organoleptic tests were performed periodically over a 45-day shelf
life period.
5. Results
The energy bar received high acceptability scores:
- Taste: 8.6/9
- Texture: 8.3/9
- Appearance: 8.4/9
- Aroma: 8.2/9
- Overall Acceptability: 8.5/9
Nutritional composition per 100 grams:
- Energy: 520 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 4.8 g
Physicochemical properties:
- pH: 6.2
- Moisture content: 8.0%
- Water activity: 0.55
Shelf Life: The bars remained microbiologically safe and organoleptically acceptable
for up to 45 days under ambient conditions.
6. Discussion
This research demonstrates the successful integration of herbal adaptogens and
nutrient-dense components into a functional food product. Ingredients like
ashwagandha and ginseng provided long-term adaptogenic benefits, while guarana
and dextrose ensured immediate energy release. The nut blend supported sustained
energy, protein supply, and muscle recovery. The pleasant taste and aroma
contributed to high sensory acceptability, making the product both functional and
enjoyable. Additionally, natural binders like jaggery and gulkand added flavor and
digestive benefits. The formulation aligns well with the current demand for clean-
label, plant-based performance foods.
7. Conclusion
The formulated energy booster bar offers a balanced source of energy, essential
nutrients, and therapeutic benefits tailored to the needs of athletes. Its appealing
taste, nutritional profile, and functional properties make it a viable alternative to
synthetic sports supplements. Future work should include clinical validation and
scale-up for commercial production.
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*International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences*, 8(2), 45-50.
