Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to various health issues, including diabetes, which is a growing concern in the Philippines. The need for healthier food alternatives has driven the development of sugar-free products. Saba bananas (Musa acuminata x balbisiana), known for their natural sweetness and nutritional content, offer an ideal solution for sugar replacement in baked goods. This study aims to create sugar-free drop cookies using Saba banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) puree as a sugar substitute, utilizing an optimization technique.

The objective of this study is to formulate a sugar-free Saba (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) banana -based drop cookies, optimized for cost and nutrition, specifically targeting 30-59-year-old males.

A linear programming (LP) optimization technique was employed to formulate cookie recipes that meet the nutritional requirements of 30-59-year-old males at the lowest possible cost. Ingredients were selected based on their nutritional values and costs, and seven recipe variations were generated. A survey of 127 male respondents from Lanao del Norte provided insights into their food preferences and socioeconomic factors.

The optimization process produced seven recipes, with the top two least-cost recipes selected for sensory evaluation. The cost of these cookies ranged from PHP 3.00 to PHP 3.95 per serving, significantly lower than commercially available alternatives. The cookies met the recommended energy, fat, carbohydrate, and protein requirements.

This study successfully formulated affordable and nutritious sugar-free Saba (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) bananabased drop cookies using an optimization technique. These cookies offer a healthier alternative to commercial products, meeting the nutritional needs of target consumers while being cost-effective. The application of linear programming in food formulation proves to be a valuable tool for producing healthier food options without compromising quality or affordability.