Amaranth Fortification in Pasta: A Systematic Review of Nutritional Enhancement, Processing Parameters, and Sensory...

Despite the growing demand, conventional pasta products remain nutritionally deficient, relying predominantly on refined starches with inadequate protein quality, limited bioavailable minerals, and reduced dietary fiber content. Amaranth, an ancient pseudocereal with superior nutritional characteristics, represents a promising biofortification ingredient; however, a systematic understanding of its technological integration and commercial viability remains fragmented. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence from 38 peer-reviewed studies (2001-2024) to establish evidence-based strategies for incorporating amaranth into wheat-based, semolina, and gluten-free pasta formulations. The results demonstrated that amaranth incorporation at optimal levels (10-25%) significantly enhanced the nutritional profiles through protein content improvement with superior lysine bioavailability, substantial mineral fortification, dietary fiber enrichment, and antioxidant enhancement. However, amaranth incorporation presents critical technological challenges, including compromised pasta texture (reduced firmness), elevated cooking loss, and unfavorable sensory characteristics, requiring strategic processing optimization. This review identifies evidence-based interventions, including controlled hydration protocols, strategic hydrocolloid incorporation, precise extrusion parameters, pre-gelatinization treatments, composite flour blending strategies (combinations with buckwheat, cassava, and legumes), and optimized high-temperature drying. Beyond nutritional and technological considerations, amaranth cultivation provides sustainability advantages, including drought tolerance, adaptation to poor soil conditions, efficient water utilization, and soil carbon sequestration potential. Critical research gaps have been identified in flavor masking technologies, color stabilization mechanisms, large-scale processing optimization, shelf-life stability, and cost-effectiveness analysis, representing priority areas for future investigation before widespread market implementation.