Formulation and Nutritional Evaluation of Herbal Moringa-Based Protein Shake Powder

Plant-based protein supplements are a growing market, but most commercial options rely on artificial additives and synthetic ingredients. Researchers in this study took a different approach: they combined moringa leaf powder with nine other whole-food ingredients — peanut, roasted chickpea, oat, almond, flaxseed, cocoa, jaggery, cardamom, and ginger powders — to create a fully natural herbal protein shake powder. The goal was to produce something nutritious, affordable, and free from synthetic additives. Three distinct formulations were developed, each differing only in how much moringa leaf powder they contained: F1 used 10%, F2 used 20%, and F3 used 30% moringa by weight. Each formulation was then assessed for physical characteristics, nutritional composition, and physicochemical properties. The moringa component was chosen specifically because the plant provides protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants in a single ingredient. The complementary ingredients were selected to round out the nutritional profile while also improving taste and texture — practical considerations that matter for real-world adoption. The researchers concluded that a moringa-based herbal protein shake powder can function as a viable, cost-effective alternative to synthetic protein supplements. They identified potential users as athletes, gym-goers, children, elderly individuals, and health-conscious consumers. While the study demonstrates that such a formulation is achievable and nutritionally characterised, the abstract does not report clinical outcomes in human participants, meaning the health effects on actual consumers remain to be tested in future trials.