Proximate Analysis and Frequency of Consumption of Selected Local Snacks in Bida Metropolis, Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Local snacks are cheap, ready, to eat meals available for purchase and consumption both on streets and at
homes. The study examined the proximate analysis of seven selected local snacks and determined the
frequency of consumption of these selected local snacks among the consumers. Samples of these local snacks
were purchased from various locations in Bida. Proximate composition of the samples was determined using
standard methods. Frequency of consumption of these local snacks within the metropolis was also determined
using 104 pretested questionnaires. The selected local snacks are: Gbankuru, Bambara Efon, Kararogo, Alaka,
Donkwa, Masa and Ikima. The result indicated that the energy content of the selected local snacks ranged from
504.62kcal/100g to 230.32kcal/100g.The moisture content of the samples was generally low except that of
Bambara Efon (52.07%).The protein content ranged from 4.53%(Bambara Efon) to14.36%(Donkwa).Crude
fibre content also varied with the lowest value obtained from Donkwa (0.11%) and the highest value (8.60%)
Kararogo. The results suggested that these local snacks are good sources of energy and protein. The results also
revealed that a higher number of consumers interviewed with the pretested questionnaires consume these local
snacks as their main meal (61.5 %) and 86% of the consumers consume these snacks at home. Based on these
findings, local snacks play a significant role in the nutrient intake of the people in Bida metropolis.