Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains a moderate yet pressing public health concern in the Philippines, particularly among children aged 0–59 months, where prevalence ranges from 17% to 19.53%. VAD increases the risk of visual impairment and mortality from common childhood illnesses. This study aims to develop an affordable, culturally accepted food-based strategy to improve vitamin A intake by fortifying widely consumed Filipino noodle/pasta dishes—Chicken Mami, Filipino Spaghetti, and Pancit Molo with Cucurbita maxima (kalabasa) powder, a rich source of beta-carotene.

The study employed an experimental design, producing three variants of each selected dish with varying concentrations (90:10, 80:20, 70:30) of All-Purpose Flour: Kalabasa Powder ratio. Sensory characteristics such as appearance, aroma, flavor, texture, and overall acceptability were evaluated by both trained panelists using descriptive analysis and 30 consumer panelists using a 9-point hedonic scale.

Nutrient analysis for beta-carotene was conducted using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), which measures the nutritional content objectively, which translates the results of the fortified noodles, with Filipino spaghetti, as the highest amount of beta-carotene at 1.7 mg/100g followed by the Pancit Molo wrapper at 1.2 mg/100g and the Chicken Mami pasta at 0.5 mg/100g. On the other hand, sensory evaluation measures human perception and acceptance subjectively revealed that modified pasta variants (80:20; Pancit Molo and Chicken Mami, 90:10; Filipino Spaghetti) retained highest acceptability among modified versions among both trained and consumer panelists.

Nutrient analysis confirmed the presence of significant levels of beta-carotene, indicating the potential of the product to contribute to vitamin A intake among children. By integrating a locally available and nutrient-rich ingredient into staple dishes, this study offers a sustainable strategy for improving micronutrient intake in at-risk populations. The fortification of pasta with kalabasa powder aligns with national food fortification initiatives.