CICATA Designs Healthy Food Alternatives for Children

Reporter: Mónica Valladolid / Photographs: CICATA Querétaro

Researchers in Querétaro develop a nutrition bar, snacks, and a powdered drink mix with essential nutrients for children

In response to growing health concerns among Mexican children, such as obesity and early-onset diabetes, and following the ban on junk food in schools, researchers at the Centro de Investigación en Ciencia Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada (CICATA), Querétaro Unit, of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), are developing a new line of food products that could mark a turning point in school nutrition.

Through the project “Development of Nutritious Foods as a Healthy Alternative for Vulnerable Populations”, Dr. Guadalupe Méndez Montealvo, together with Dr. Eduardo Morales Sánchez and Dr. Gonzalo Velázquez de la Cruz, aim to create a powdered drink mix, a nutrition bar, and snack foods with specialized formulations to meet the dietary needs of children at a key stage in their growth and development.

“Nowadays, some kids have snacks like fried chips and a so-called ‘nutritious drink’ for breakfast. They may feel energized, but what they really need is to also be attentive and receptive,” explained Dr. Méndez. She added that this project, which builds on several previous studies at IPN, is expected to result in the development of highly nutritious products designed specifically for children.

Dr. Eduardo Morales highlighted that the powdered mix, bar, and snack foods under development at CICATA are being designed as nutraceuticals—foods that are not only nutritious but also have healing properties.

“These products would provide nutraceutical benefits, support digestion, and promote a healthy microbiota, making nutrients more bioavailable,” noted Dr. Morales, who also serves as Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Advanced Technology.

For his part, Dr. Gonzalo Velázquez emphasized the researchers’ goal of formulating foods made from natural ingredients without additives. “We want to minimize excess calories and avoid preservatives,” he said.

From IPN to Society

The food prototypes being developed by IPN’s Food Technology researchers as a healthy option for vulnerable populations are primarily grain-based.

The powdered drink mix is designed from oats, amaranth, chia, and quinoa; the nutrition bars may be enriched with almonds, raisins, or chocolate; and all three products, including the snacks, could complement breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Once finalized, these nutritious foods will not be commercialized. However, the researchers emphasized that they are open to guiding those interested in producing them.

Ultimately, the project represents a contribution from IPN that should ideally be accompanied by nutritional education and physical activity to support children’s overall well-being.