Date of Publication :February 2026

Abstract: The increasing awareness of health and nutrition has led to a growing interest in plant-based functional beverages that offer enhanced nutritional value and improved stability. Traditional cereal-based drinks are commonly consumed in various regions; however, they often lack sufficient protein content to meet daily nutritional requirements. The present study aims to develop “Golden Millet Milk,” a protein-enriched beverage prepared using proso millet protein nano emulsion as a fortification approach. Proso millet, a nutrient-rich and underutilized cereal, was selected due to its high protein content and functional properties. Protein was extracted using alkaline extraction followed by isoelectric precipitation and further processed through lyophilization to obtain a stable powder. A protein-based nano emulsion was then prepared using suitable homogenization techniques to enhance dispersion and stability. The nano emulsion was incorporated into the beverage at different concentrations to improve its nutritional content. The developed product was evaluated for physicochemical properties such as pH, viscosity, particle size, and colour, along with nutritional composition and sensory acceptability using a 9-point hedonic scale. The results are expected to indicate improved protein content, better stability, and have a good consumer acceptability. This study highlights the potential of proso millet protein nano emulsion in developing innovative, nutritious, and functional plant-based beverages.

Index Terms : Proso millet, Nano emulsion, Golden millet milk, Protein fortification, Functional foods.

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