PhilRice develops pigmented rice bran-infused yogurt to boost nutrition

Nueva Ecija- Filipinos looking for healthier food options may soon enjoy a new take on yogurt, as food technologists at the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) have infused it with nutrient-rich rice bran to enhance its health benefits.

Developed by food technologist Dr. Henry M. Corpuz and his team, the improved yogurt incorporates stabilized rice bran—the outer layer of red and black rice known for its high dietary fiber, vitamins, mineral content, and phytochemicals. These nutrients may offer various health benefits, including antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and antidiabetic properties, making the yogurt an even healthier alternative to conventional dairy-based probiotics.

“Yogurt is already a good source of vitamins, protein, and beneficial microorganisms; we’re making it even better by using buffalo milk in partnership with the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU) and enriching it with pigmented rice bran,” Corpuz said.

Initial studies indicate that co-fermenting yogurt with stabilized rice bran significantly increases antioxidant activity. The dietary fiber in rice bran also promotes digestive health, helps manage blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol levels, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.

PhilRice has also developed a variety of functional food products made from brown rice, low glycemic index rice, and germinated brown rice. To address post-harvest losses due to oversupply, its Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division is working on high value crops-enriched rice-based ready-to-eat food products, which are valuable food options during natural calamities such as typhoons.

These food innovations, Corpuz said, align with the government’s efforts to address the triple burden of malnutrition: undernutrition (wasting and stunting), micronutrient deficiency (lack of essential vitamins and minerals), and overnutrition (excessive food intake leading to obesity).