Development and evaluation of a plant-based Nutri beverage: A healthy drink for lactose-intolerant athletes

Background: Milk is an effective post-workout recovery drink for athletes but cannot be used by lactose-intolerant athletes, and seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients that are often underutilized. A plant-based beverage enriched with seeds will be an ideal post-workout supplement for athletes. Objective: The aim of the current study is to develop a nutritious alternative drink for lactose-intolerant athletes. Materials and Methods: A Nutri beverage was developed using coconut milk and a mixture of seeds. Sensory analysis of the control and three variations of the Nutri beverage (A1, A2, and A3) was performed by 30 semi-trained panel members using a 5-point hedonic scale. The best accepted beverage was analyzed for moisture, total ash, energy, total carbohydrate, protein, total fat, zinc, magnesium, iron, and calcium using standard procedures. Results: The sensory analysis of the control and Nutri beverage variations showed that Nutri beverage (A3) was the most acceptable beverage, with a higher average score for aroma and taste and a good product acceptability index of 81%. The moisture and ash content of the Nutri beverage was found to be 79.4 and 0.96 g, respectively. The nutrient analysis of the beverage showed an energy value of 116 kcal, 8.48 g carbohydrate (CHO), 3.65 g protein, 7.5 g fat, 0.95 mg zinc, 42.4 mg magnesium, 77.7 mg calcium, and 1.25 mg iron per 100 g. Conclusion: The Nutri beverage is well acceptable and richer in micronutrients and protein compared to cow’s milk alone. Hence, it can be a healthy post-workout alternative drink for lactose-intolerant athletes.