Evaluation of the Glycemic Index of Vitamin- and Mineral-Enriched Cookies in Healthy Indian Participants: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of metabolic disorders highlights the need for dietary strategies that regulate postprandial glycemic responses and enhance satiety. Low-glycemic index (GI) foods enriched with whole grains and functional fibers can attenuate glucose spikes and support appetite regulation. This study evaluated the glycemic index and satiety effects of fiber-rich, vitamin- and mineral-enriched cookies, Britannia NutriChoice Advanced 1 Ragi Cookies and Britannia NutriChoice Advanced 1 Oats Cookies, in healthy Indian adults. Methods: A randomized, crossover, single-center study was conducted in 20 healthy Indian adults. Each participant consumed five treatments in random order: three administrations of the reference and one administration each of the two test cookies. The dosage was adjusted so that both reference and test products provided 25 g of available carbohydrates. Capillary blood glucose was recorded at baseline (mean of −5 and 0 minutes) and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes post-consumption to calculate the incremental area under the curve (IAUC). The entire study of GI assessment was conducted according to the ISO 26642:2010 protocol. Satiety was assessed using a validated 7-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for up to 240 minutes. Results: Both test cookies produced significantly lower IAUC values than the reference glucose (p < 0.0001). The GI values were 48.03 ± 4.39 for NutriChoice Advanced Ragi Cookies and 50.23 ± 4.53 for NutriChoice Advanced Oats Cookies, classifying both as low-GI foods. Both cookies elicited sustained fullness responses, in contrast to the minimal and transient satiety response with glucose. At 15 minutes post-consumption, 94.74% of participants reported fullness after consuming Ragi Cookies and 100% after consuming Oats Cookies; this sensation of fullness remained for up to 60 minutes for both cookies. Satiety persisted up to 90 minutes in 68.42% of participants following Ragi Cookies consumption and 84.21% following Oats Cookies consumption, with residual satiety up to 180 minutes. Conclusion: NutriChoice Advanced Ragi and Oats Cookies demonstrated low GI values, attenuated postprandial glycemic responses, and promoted sustained satiety in healthy adults. These findings support these cookies as functional and metabolically supportive snacking options suitable for individuals who practice mindful snacking and those prioritizing their glycemic control.