Corn Soy Blend and the Power of High-Shear Processing
Corn Soy Blend (CSB) is a fortified food product made from milled corn and soybeans, usually enriched with vitamins and minerals. Used widely in humanitarian and food aid programs, it is a cost-effective way to combat malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. When CSB is processed using high-shear dry extrusion, its nutritional value, digestibility, and shelf life are significantly improved, making it ideal for global feeding programs.
High-shear dry extrusion rapidly raises the temperature of the mixture, denatures anti-nutritional factors, and gelatinizes starches while preserving key nutrients. Unlike conventional cooking or boiling methods, dry extrusion creates a stable, nutrient-dense product that can be stored for extended periods over a year without spoilage.
To make CSB using extrusion, a blend of dehulled soybeans and milled corn of the same particle size, typically in a corn-to-bean ratio of 70:30 or 80:20, is fed into the extruder. This blend can be adjusted depending on nutritional targets or regional preferences. The extrusion process thoroughly cooks the ingredients, improving the digestibility of both the proteins and carbohydrates.
Once cooled, the extruded material is typically ground into a finer, consistent size and enriched with a mix of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B-vitamins, to meet dietary requirements set by agencies like the World Food Programme (WFP). The resulting CSB can be packed in moisture-proof bags and distributed globally.
As mentioned previously, CSB is primarily used in food assistance programs, including school feeding initiatives, refugee camp rations, and maternal and child nutrition programs. It is practical and accessible, especially in low-resource environments, as it can be prepared as a porridge by simply adding boiling water.
Its long shelf life, easy preparation, and nutritional completeness make CSB an essential tool for operations with an interest in addressing global hunger. By using high-shear dry extrusion, producers can ensure consistent quality, safety, and functionality, helping deliver life-sustaining nutrition where it is needed most. For more information, please get in touch with a member of our nutrition team.
