Formulation and evaluation of gluten-free cookies from rice and green banana flour

Abstract
Celiac disease (CD) is defined as an autoimmune pathology mediated by specific antibodies and is associated with genetic factors, which causes an inflammatory process of the intestinal mucosa in response to gluten ingestion. A study was conducted to evaluate some gluten-free cookie formulations using rice and green banana flour as raw material, and to evaluate the acceptance and chemical composition of the cookies elaborated. Three different cookie formulations were prepared to contain 100% rice flour, 50% rice flour and 50% green banana flour and 100% green banana flour. The following sensory attributes were evaluated: crispness, flavor, and overall impression, using the 9-point hedonic scale and purchase intention using the 5-point structured scale, to check the acceptance of cookies. The chemical composition of the formulation most accepted by sensory analysis was quantified. Sensory evaluation showed that all cookie formulations were accepted; however, the increase of the green banana flour content has resulted in lower acceptance, which may be due to the slightly bitter flavor that green banana flour gives the product. The most accepted cookie formulation had 15.78% protein, 0.80% ash, 4.31% moisture content, 12.35% lipid, and 66.77% carbohydrate. These nutritional characteristics are following Brazilian legislation. Therefore, all cookie formulations have marketing potential, which is very important, especially for people with gluten sensitivity.