There is high prevalence of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) and Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in young children of weaning age in Malawi, a Sub Saharan Africa country. The aim of this study was to formulate and evaluate the physical and chemical properties and acceptability of porridge and a snack biscuit made from locally available foods that can be used for weaning or by people of other ages in Malawi. Weaning foods were formulated from ingredients produced locally in Malawi to maximize the protein and vitamin A for young children of weaning age. Cowpeas (C), maize (M), Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes (OFSP) and wheat (W) were formulated into a porridge and biscuit, and these were evaluated for protein, vitamin A and fat. The physical properties evaluated for biscuits only were height, diameter and spread ratio. Both products were also evaluated for their acceptability by mothers with children 6 months to 3 years. The study showed that for the porridge and biscuit formulations, formula 1 (50M: 30C:20 OFSP) had the highest protein content, Vitamin A compared to the others and to the control. Both Sensory tests with 110 mothers showed that both products were well accepted.
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