Students turn surplus bananas into protein bars for European finals

A groundbreaking venture by students from Harper Adams University will see their innovative approach to food waste compete on a European stage. The team, Riff Snacks, has developed high-protein bars from surplus bananas, a product that has earned them the distinction of representing the UK at the upcoming Gen-E entrepreneurship competition in Latvia. This initiative began after the students observed a significant surplus of bruised bananas from a local food-sharing program at their university.

The students' commitment to transforming this wasted fruit into a genuinely healthy snack, rather than a conventional treat like banana bread, led to the creation of their signature bars. These bars reportedly contain a third of the daily recommended fiber intake. Their journey to the European finals included winning the national finals of the Young Enterprise competition held in Manchester, a testament to their hard work and innovative product. The team expressed shock and gratitude upon learning of their victory and advancement.