DEVELOPMENT OF A MILLET-BASED LOW-GLYCEMIC GULAB JAMUN INFUSED WITH ROSE-HIBISCUS REDUCTION: A FUSION OF TRADITION AND WELLNESS

A healthier version of Gulab Jamun was successfully developed using millet flour, natural sweeteners, and herbal infusions. This dessert holds potential in the wellness food and festive functional food market, promoting both tradition and health. It meets the growing demands for low-sugar, nutrient-dense sweets among diabetic and fitness-conscious consumers. The development of a millet-based, low-glycemic Gulab Jamun infused with rose-hibiscus reduction offers a promising blueprint for reimagining traditional Indian desserts through the lens of nutritional innovation. This research demonstrates that by integrating functional ingredients such as pearl millet, almond flour, and natural sweeteners, along with baking techniques and herbal infusions, it is possible to retain the essence of a culturally beloved dessert while significantly improving its health profile. The proposed formulation achieved a favourable balance between texture, flavour, and visual appeal, while addressing key concerns associated with sugar content, fat intake, and glycemic load. The rose-hibiscus syrup not only elevated the flavour profile but also introduced antioxidant benefits, adding therapeutic potential to the dessert. This fusion-style innovation opens new avenues for culinary researchers, food technologists, and health-oriented chefs to re-engineer Indian sweets that cater to diabetics, fitness enthusiasts, and wellness-conscious consumers. Furthermore, the study showcases how traditional dishes can evolve with changing nutritional demands without compromising on sensorial satisfaction or cultural value. In an era where functional foods are gaining traction across global markets, this research sets the stage for the next generation of Indian desserts — where heritage meets health. Future applications of this work include industrial-scale production, commercialization, and the development of ready-to-mix or frozen variants for convenience consumption.

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