Date milk enriched with vitamin D: nutrient content and acceptability as a food additive for preschoolers 48-59 months

Products that combine liquid milk and date flesh are still minimal. Milk is an excellent source of protein and dates are a food ingredient that is rich in vitamins and minerals that are suitable for growth as well as phytochemical components which function to enhance the sensory properties of dates so that they can be used as a flavor enhancer in various dairy products such as cookies, yogurt, ice cream, and cakes. The purpose of this study was to create a vitamin D-enriched date milk product as an alternative nutritional supplement for preschool children aged 48-59 months. The study used a completely randomized design with three percentage addition of date flesh treatments, namely F1 (10%), F2 (15%), and F3 (20%). The results showed that the formulas significantly differed between the water, protein, and carbohydrate contents (P < 0.05). In contrast, the energy, ash, fat, zinc, iron, and calcium content were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Kruskal-Wallis analysis product acceptance data showed only color and aroma attributes that were quite different between formulas (P < 0.05). In contrast, taste, thickness, mouthfeel, aftertaste, and overall characteristics were not statistically different (P > 0.05). Formula F2 (15%) was selected based on the hedonic rating and ranking tests. Formula F2 (15%) can be accepted quite well, with the percentage that consumes drinks without residue as much as 60% and those who can finish at least ½ portion of drinks as much as 93.3%. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.