Quality evaluation of gluten-free flat bread prepared by using rice and millet flour

Purpose Due to the need and interest of gluten-free products for celiac disease (CD) patients, the study aims to estimate the effect of the substitution of rice flour with millet flour in the presence of sweet lupin and sweet potato powder in gluten-free blends and the impact of the produced blends on gluten-free flat bread quality. Design/methodology/approach Seven gluten-free blends ( B 1, B 2, B 3, B 4, B 5, B 6 and B 7) were prepared with different percentages of rice flour (50–80%) and millet flour (5–35%), 10% sweet lupin and 5% sweet potato powder. Physicochemical analysis and particle size of gluten-free blends were evaluated. The resulted gluten-free bread samples were analyzed for chemical composition, color parameters and staling as well as sensory evaluation. Findings Results indicated that substitution of rice flour with millet flour increased protein, fat, ash, crude fiber, calcium, zinc and iron contents of flour blends, while total carbohydrates content, water holding capacity (WHC) and oil holding capacity (OHC), bulk density, L *, a * and b * values were decreased with increasing millet flour substitution. In addition, substitution with millet flour significantly increased ( p < 0.05) protein, fat, ash and crude fiber contents and affected color parameters and staling of produced bread. Research limitations/implications As a researchers, the authors need more statistical data about type, needs, age and numbers of CD patients in worldwide and in Egypt to create a specific products for each of them. Besides, the collaboration between researchers, breeders, nutritionist and food manufactures are very vital to add new gluten-free crops. Practical implications New gluten-free products will be launched in markets with affordable price. Social implications The children with CD, especially Egyptians suffer from a shortage of varied, inexpensive and suitable gluten-free bread to achieve their needs. So the current work may help them to be satisfied. Originality/value Rice flour could be substituted up to 10% with millet flour without adverse effect on the sensory attributes of gluten-free bread and this may assist CD patients to discover a diversity of gluten-free blends.