INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCE RESEARCH
IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a nutrient-rich, millet-based complementary food formulation Baby Boost Millet Mix targeted at improving early childhood nutrition. The product was prepared using a blend of traditionally cultivated millets including finger millet, sorghum, pearl millet, foxtail millet and little millet, selected for their superior macro and micronutrient profiles. Three formulations (T1, T2, T3) were developed and subjected to sensory evaluation, proximate and micronutrient analysis, antioxidant profiling, microbial safety assessment testing. Sensory scores indicated high acceptability across all variants, particularly for T1. Nutritional analysis showed an energy content of 346 kcal/100 ml, protein (10.1 g), and substantial levels of iron, zinc, calcium, and B-complex vitamins. Antioxidant activity was high, especially in ABTS and FRAP assays, and microbial counts were within safe consumption limits over one month. The findings support the formulation’s potential as a safe, shelf-stable and nutritionally adequate complementary food to address micronutrient deficiencies and promote sustainable dietary diversification in early childhood.