Title: Development and evaluation of coffee substitute from roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seeds

Authors: Abosede Oluwakemi Oduntan; Onaolapo Adeola Olatunji; David Olamide Rapheal; Oluwayemisi Martha Oni; Balikis Oluwakemi Mustapha; Rabiat Shola Ahmed; Titilope Modupe Fasuan; Adebisi Omolola Akinrinola

Addresses: Product Development Programme, National Horticultural Research Institute, PMB 5432, Jericho, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, Nigeria ' Product Development Programme, National Horticultural Research Institute, PMB 5432, Jericho, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, Nigeria ' Product Development Programme, National Horticultural Research Institute, PMB 5432, Jericho, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, Nigeria ' Product Development Programme, National Horticultural Research Institute, PMB 5432, Jericho, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, Nigeria ' Product Development Programme, National Horticultural Research Institute, PMB 5432, Jericho, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, Nigeria ' Product Development Programme, National Horticultural Research Institute, PMB 5432, Jericho, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, Nigeria ' Product Development Programme, National Horticultural Research Institute, PMB 5432, Jericho, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, Nigeria ' Product Development Programme, National Horticultural Research Institute, PMB 5432, Jericho, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract: This study examined the potential of roselle seeds as a coffee substitute, examining the impact of roasting on their quality. Roselle seeds were roasted for 10 (RR10), 20 (RR20) and 30 (RR30) minutes, while unprocessed seeds served as control. The samples' bioactive and sensory properties were analysed using standard experimental procedures. The flavonoid, total phenol, tannin and saponin ranges were 7.26-54.56 mg/g, 1.44-10.52 mg/ml, 0.047-0.36 mg/ml and 0.03-0.65 mg/ml, respectively. The antinutrients were within permissible limits. DPPH for RR10 was 28.38% and increased by 22.61% and 106.91% in RR20 and RR30, respectively. RR30 had the highest flavour, taste, body, balance, and overall acceptability. RR20 had the highest acidity. Commercial coffee was the most preferred in terms of colour and aroma, closely rivalled by RR30. RR30 is therefore the best viable roselle alternative to commercial coffee, especially for people with low caffeine tolerance.

Keywords: roselle seeds; coffee substitute; bioactive composition; antinutrients; roasting.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFSNPH.2025.149675

International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health, 2025 Vol.6 No.4, pp.231 - 250

Received: 08 Jun 2024
Accepted: 30 May 2025
Published online: 10 Nov 2025 *

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