Could Snacks Based on Lupin Be a Nutritious Treat? A Point of View

This viewpoint article presents an opinion about snacks made with lupin species. The nutritional quality of cereal-based snacks increased significantly when lupin was added. For instance, the protein and fibre content of lupin snacks could be as high as 55.7% and 8.3% respectively, soluble fibre as high as 61.2% of total fibre, and protein digestibility close to that of casein. As for sensory evaluation, some lupin snacks were ranked even better than controls. Moreover, some lupin snacks had similar or improved rheological behaviour with respect to controls. For instance, expansion indices of 11 versus 3 for controls. In summary, by adjusting formula and processing conditions, it is possible to obtain, at the same time, a healthy and tasty snack with very good machinability and rheological behaviour. This could improve the image and concept of snacks by providing an excellent opportunity for improving the diet quality of habitual consumers of snacks. This point of view also provides suggestions for improving the nutritional, rheological, and sensory evaluation of lupin snacks.