Abstract
The incorporation of bioactive compounds from plant-based by-products into staple foods represents a sustainable strategy to enhance both nutritional quality and health benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of buckwheat husk addition (1.5%, 3.0%, 4.5%) on the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC) and its profile, color parameters, and sensory attributes of wheat and wholemeal breads. Increasing the husk content significantly (p ≤ 0.05) enhanced antioxidant activity, especially in the lipid-soluble fraction, with the highest values observed at 4.5% addition. In terms of TPC, wheat bread showed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase (16.5%) only at 3.0% husk addition, while wholemeal breads exhibited consistent TPC growth at all levels, reaching a 35.2% increase at 4.5% enrichment. Phenolic profiling revealed syringic acid as the dominant compound, constituting up to 64.4% of total phenolic acids in wholemeal bread with 4.5% husk. Flavonoids content increased with husk addition, with rutin, catechin, and orientin most prominent. Color analysis indicated a reduction in lightness and hue angle, an increase in browning index and total color difference with higher husk addition. Addition of husk modified aroma, color, and mouthfeel. Wholemeal breads with 1.5% and 4.5% buckwheat husk had the highest acceptability, enhancing nutritional and functional quality without affecting preference. Buckwheat husk effectively enhances bread's nutritional and functional quality.