Virtual Booth

NutriBite Bar is an innovative healthy snack developed by students of Sekolah Menengah Pendidikan Khas Vokasional Indahpura to address the low vegetable consumption and unhealthy snacking habits among students, particularly those with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Preliminary findings revealed that 89% of students disliked eating vegetables, while 58% preferred sweet and chocolate-based snacks. In response, NutriBite Bar was created as a nutritious snack that incorporates hidden vegetables, specifically bitter gourd flakes, into a delicious and acceptable energy bar.

The product is made from a blend of eight nutritious ingredients: dark chocolate, oats, almonds, dates, honey, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and bitter gourd flakes. It offers a low-sugar, high-fibre snack alternative that provides balanced nutrition, natural energy, and essential nutrients. The development process involved needs analysis, product testing, refinement, and external evaluation, with active participation from special education students throughout the production process.

Feedback from teachers, students, and external consumers indicated high acceptance in terms of taste, nutritional value, and product potential. Beyond promoting healthier eating habits, the project successfully enhanced students’ vocational competencies, entrepreneurial skills, confidence, and real-world work experience. The findings suggest that NutriBite Bar has strong potential for future commercialisation while serving as an effective educational platform for empowering students with special educational needs.

Keywords: Healthy snack, hidden vegetables, special education students, entrepreneurship, vocational education, NutriBite Bar.