ITS Students Present High-Fiber Food Solutions for Obese People

ITS Campus, ITS News – The increasing prevalence of obesity in Indonesia demands innovation in foods that are low in calories, high in fiber, and have a low glycemic index. Responding to this challenge, students from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) have developed sorghum-based jam and fruit puree as a functional food alternative. With a composition of 70% fruit puree and 7% sorghum, this product utilizes fiber, antioxidants, and natural vitamins to support weight management.

Through research, nutrition education, and the use of nutrition tracking technology, sorghum-based jam and fruit puree products called SORG+ are a tangible contribution to supporting a healthy lifestyle for the Indonesian people. Siraja Wahaja, a Food Engineering student at ITS and team leader, explained that healthy food is not just for a select few; it must also be affordable and delicious for people with obesity.

Through a formulation based on sorghum and high-fiber fruit puree, this product offers a low-sugar, high-fiber jam alternative, while still retaining its natural sweetness and smooth texture. This jam utilizes sorghum, a source of insoluble fiber and antioxidants, along with vitamin-rich fruit purees like pineapple and strawberry. The combination produces a product with a low glycemic index, which helps control blood sugar.

Through both laboratory research and trials in obese communities, the research team emphasized the importance of nutrition education, portion control, mindful eating, and food substitution. With a balanced formulation ratio of 70% fruit puree and 7% sorghum, a functional approach can be applied to support optimal weight management.

During its journey, the SORG+ innovation first conducted lab tests to determine nutritional information, then obtained halal certification and nutritionist recognition before conducting further consumer research. Furthermore, the SORG+ innovation held a roadshow to provide education and conducted organoleptic tests on various consumer groups, especially those with obesity. SORG+ also participated in the 2026 GEREX ITS event to determine the public response to the SORG+ innovation.

Furthermore, SORG+ also conducted direct research with obese consumers. David, a 21-year-old obese individual, explained that SORG+’s innovation can help regulate their eating habits. “I tried SORG+’s strawberry jam, which keeps me feeling full for much longer thanks to the high fiber content of the sorghum, which helps me control my urge to overeat,” David said.