The inclusion of purple rice and quinoa serves as valuable sources of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fibre, iron, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. At the exact time, dates offer benefits in weight management, cardiovascular health, and gastrointestinal function. This study is focused on the development of an energy bar (purple rice–quinoa energy bar) prepared by incorporating purple rice, quinoa, walnuts and sesame seeds with jaggery, dates and a small amount of ghee to provide an instant energy source to the athletes. Ingredients were chosen based on their nutritional and functional attributes. The energy bar comprises natural sugars from dates and jaggery, with no added colour or flavour. The bar was developed through two formulations, Formulation 1 and Formulation 2, maintaining consistent ingredient proportions but varying processing techniques. Sensory evaluation, employing a 9-point hedonic scale, favoured Formulation 1, exhibiting notable scores for taste 7.6 ± 0.7, odour 6.9 ± 1.1, colour 7.1 ± 1, texture 7 ± 0.9 and the overall acceptability was 7.4 ± 0.9. Proximate analysis of formulation 1 per 100 g indicated energy content at 401 kcal, carbohydrate content at 80.3 g, dietary fibre at 11.8 g, protein at 5.2 g, total fat at 6.5 g, moisture at 6.2 g, ash at 1.6 g. The energy bar is suitable for vegetarian athletes as well. It is viable as a pre, during and post-exercise snack owing to its abundance of easily digestible natural carbohydrates sourced from plants. Overall, the energy bar presents a harmonious blend of nutrients, rendering it a convenient and advantageous dietary option for athletes seeking optimized performance and recovery.
