Utilization of Chicken Eggshell Waste: A Potential Calcium Source for Incorporation into Vegetable Soup Mix

Abstract

Calcium, an important mineral in bones, is widely available in the form of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) in eggshells. However, tonnes of eggshells have been wasted every year all around the globe. The current work was aimed at valorizing the eggshell waste and incorporating it as an alternative Ca source for calcium deficient people. Soup mixes (named 1-5) were formulated by varying the ratio of starch (4-12 g) and vegetables (2-10 g) along with the constant quantity of mushroom and eggshell powder. The formulated soup mix was assessed for physiochemical properties and proximate analysis. The results showed that the soup mix 4 with 4 g vegetables, 10 g corn starch, 1 g onion, and garlic, 2 g salt and sugar, 2 g mushroom, and 1 g eggshell powder was found similar to the commercial soup mix along with 3069.095 mg/kg calcium content which meets individuals' RDA requirement. The results suggest that the formulated soup mix can act as a proper preload for all individuals and is used as a supplement for commercial calcium foods. Further research is required to increase the soup's acceptability, its bioavailability, and shelf stability.