Development of Protein-Source and Fat-Free Indonesian Traditional Crackers (kerupuk) Through Egg White Substitution and Alternative Frying.

Commercially available kerupuk (Indonesian traditional crackers) are typically high in fat and low in protein, making them nutritionally imbalanced and categorized as junk food. This study aims to develop a protein-source and fat free traditional crackers through egg white powder (EWP) substitution and application of alternative frying methods. The substitution of EWP in was selected at a 20% level based on preliminary test ranging from 0% to 40% and the alternative frying methods were deep frying (control), air frying, sand frying, and microwaving. The developed traditional crackers was characterized with pH value between 7.20 and 7.34; water activity (a w) between 0.41 and 0.42; protein and fat levels respectively ranging from 18.26% to 18.73% and 0.19%-0.41%, meeting the claims as a protein source and fat free product according to Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM). SEM analysis showed that microwave cooking and deep-frying produced traditional crackers with highly porous structures with large pores. FTIR analysis indicated that deep-fried traditional crackers showed intense peaks at 2930-2850 cm-1 (C-H stretching) and 1743 cm-1 (C = O ester carbonyl stretching), indicating high oil absorption, whereas alternative frying methods showed lower intensities of these lipid-associated peaks. Traditional crackers produced had a pH value ranging from 7.20 to 7.34 and water activity (a w) between 0.41 and 0.42. Microwave emerged as the optimal alternative frying technique, with the highest expansion rate (185.63%), crispness (37.58 mm), and brightness (L* = 92.88).