The nutritional science behind food aid
Food aid is not just raw grains and flour. These processed aid products were developed to provide specific nutrients for children and nursing mothers.
Food products |
Ready-to-use |
Super Cereal Plus |
Corn Soy Blend 14 |
Corn Soy Blend + |
Acronym |
RUSF |
SC+ |
CSB14 |
CSB+ |
What Is it? |
A high-protien, high-fat supplement that can be consumed directly from the package. |
SC+ includes fortified vegetable oil, eliminating the need for a separate monthly ration of oil. The inclusion of oil means more advanced and expensive packaging is required to make the product shelf-stable. |
The updated formulation of USAID's CSB13, which includes a whey protein concentrate (WPC80) and an enhanced micronutrient premix. |
The USAID adaptation of World Food Programme's Super Cereal. |
Preparation |
None |
Cook in boiling water. |
Cook in boiling water. |
Cook in boiling water. |
What's in it? |
Vegetable fat, sugar, peanut paste, soy protein, maltodextrin and whey, with a mineral and vitamin complex. |
Maize, whole soybeans, sugar, whey protein, vegetable oil, and vitamin & mineral premix. |
Maize, whole soybeans, sugar, whey protein, vegetable oil, vitamin & mineral premix, and fortified vegetable oil |
Cornmeal, soy flour, soybean oil, a vitamin and mineral premix, and antioxidant premix. |
| Energy (kcal) | 500 g | 500 g | 487.9 g | 483.2 g |
| Total Lipids | 15 g | 10.2 g | 27.7 g | 26.5 g |
| Protein | 10 g | 18 g | 12.9 g | 9.7 g |
| Cabohydrates | Unavailable | 82.9 g | 47 g | 51.3 g |
Contains animal protein |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Shelf life |
24 months. |
12 months. |
Unavailable |
18 months. |
*CSB14 and CSB+ are distributed with with fortified vegetable oil.
Sources: USAID, Burkina Taste Test Protocol, Edesia, World Food Program, Food Aid Quality Review 2010