A system and processing device for the production of nutrient-rich snack bars from vegetables and millet

Abstract

A system for the production of nutritious snack bars, consisting of a mixing chamber, a heating and binding unit, an aroma infusion module, a molding part and a controlled drying chamber, which are integrated via a programmable control interface.

Description

Application area of ​​the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to food processing systems and methods, in particular a system and apparatus for the automated production of nutritious snack bars using vegetable mixtures, millet mixtures and natural flavorings for improved health and taste benefits. Background of the invention

[0002] Conventional granola bars often contain refined sugar, artificial flavorings, and processed grains, resulting in a high glycemic index and lower nutritional value. Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier alternatives that offer balanced nutrition, sustained energy, and better digestibility without sacrificing taste and convenience. However, manual or conventional production methods often fail to guarantee consistent blending, texture, or nutrient retention. Millet, despite its high fiber content and low glycemic index, is underutilized due to its coarse texture and difficult processing. Incorporating plant-based micronutrients into granola bars also presents a challenge in achieving consistent flavor and stability.Therefore, there is a need for a compact, semi-automatic system that can process millet and vegetables into a dimensionally stable, shelf-stable muesli bar through optimized mixing, forming, and drying processes. The present invention addresses these challenges with a special device and method for the efficient and consistent production of nutrient-rich muesli bars. Summary of the invention

[0003] The invention describes a system and a device for producing nutritious muesli bars by integrating a controlled microprocessor unit with heating, mixing, and forming modules. The system automates the selection, dosing, and combination of vegetable mixtures and unrefined millet mixtures to create a nutrient-rich and low-glycemic muesli bar base.

[0004] The device consists of a mixing chamber, a heating and binding unit, a flavor module, and a forming unit, all controlled via a programmable interface. The system ensures precise temperature control to preserve micronutrients while achieving the desired texture and flavor. The resulting snack bars are uniform in shape, taste, and quality, offering a healthy alternative to industrially produced snacks. Detailed description

[0005] The invention comprises an integrated food processing device for producing nutrient-rich snack bars from vegetables and unrefined millet. The device has a hopper for pre-measured quantities of finely chopped or powdered, micronutrient-rich vegetables such as spinach, beetroot, and carrots. A second hopper receives a mixture of different millet varieties, including foxtail millet, finger millet, and pearl millet, which were selected for their low glycemic index and high fiber content.

[0006] The ingredients are fed into a mixing chamber with rotating blades that ensure homogeneous blending. The chamber is connected to a heating unit that maintains a temperature between 40°C and 60°C to prevent nutrient degradation and simultaneously activate natural binding agents.

[0007] An aroma infusion module adds natural flavorings such as cocoa powder, vanilla extract, or fruit pulp. The infusion process is synchronized with the mixing process to ensure even flavor distribution. A sensor-based viscosity monitoring system ensures that the mixture maintains an optimal consistency suitable for shaping.

[0008] After mixing, the mixture is transferred to a molding machine that forms the product into rectangular rods with predetermined dimensions. The molds are equipped with a non-stick coating and temperature control to ensure easy demolding and a uniform texture.

[0009] The shaped bars then undergo a controlled drying process in a chamber equipped with humidity and temperature sensors. This removes the moisture without affecting the texture or nutritional content.

[0010] The control interface allows the user to adjust key parameters such as mixing time, drying time, and flavor intensity via an intuitive digital interface. Depending on the production volume, the system can be operated in semi-automatic or fully automatic mode.

[0011] The device housing is made of food-grade stainless steel to ensure hygiene and durability. The system is compact and suitable for both home and commercial use. It promotes the production of healthy, preservative-free granola bars.

[0012] The invention not only delivers a nutrient-rich end product, but also reduces manual effort and the inaccuracies associated with traditional preparation methods. Its modular design allows for adaptation to various recipes and ingredient combinations, thus offering flexibility and scalability.

Claims

[1] A system for the production of nutritious snack bars, consisting of a mixing chamber, a heating and binding unit, an aroma infusion module, a molding part and a controlled drying chamber, which are integrated via a programmable control interface. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the mixing chamber is configured to mix a predetermined ratio of vegetable mixtures and millet mixtures, maintaining nutrient integrity by temperature control. [3] System according to claim 1, wherein the aroma infusion module supplies natural flavorings derived from cocoa or from fruit to enhance the taste. [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controlled drying chamber ensures the texture of the snack bar and its shelf life by regulating temperature and humidity within predefined limits.