Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and Sensory Analysis of Rice-Based Extruded Snacks-Like Fortified with Bean and Carob Fruit Flours

Generally, extruded gluten-free foods are mostly phytochemically deficient. In this study inositol phosphates, α-galactosides, lectins, protease inhibitors, and phenols, their antioxidant activity and sensorial analysis of some rice/bean/whole carob fruit flour blends were determined in unprocessed (controls) and extruded formulations. The fortification of rice-based extrudates with both legumes has a positive influence on both their bioactive compound content and their acceptability by consumers. The extruded formulations contained around twice as much (p < 0.05) total α-galactosides than their unprocessed counterparts. Extrusion significantly reduced the phytic acid content (10%) and significantly increased the less phosphorylated forms (16%–70%). After extrusion, the lectins and protease inhibitors were eliminated. The different phenolic compounds mostly increased (11%–36%), notably in the formulations with carob fruit. The antioxidant activity and the different groups of phenols showed a positive correlation in the extrudates. All the experimental extrudates had higher amounts of bioactive compounds than the commercial extruded rice. Considering the amount of phytochemicals determined in the novel gluten-free extrudates and the scores of sensorial analysis, formulations containing 20%–40% bean and 5% carob fruit could be adequate in promoting health-related functions, helping to increase pulse consumption, and allowing the food industry to satisfy consumers’ requirement for functional foods.