Tempe Crackers has evolved into a source of pride for Ika Dewi Puspita Sari, a Culinary Arts student at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY). This innovative snack stands out as a healthy alternative to conventional snacks, utilizing tempe flour—a "superfood" known for its high nutritional and protein content—rather than wheat flour. The result is a product that is not only delicious but also nutritious, free from preservatives, and safe for daily consumption.
“I initially wanted to create a tempe cheesecake, but my lecturer suggested a product with longer shelf life, which led me to try Tempe Crackers,” said Ika. While initially hesitant, she came to appreciate the uniqueness of the product. “After working on it, I realized it’s easier to make and has lower production costs,” she added.
The absence of preservatives makes Tempe Crackers a safe option for everyday consumption. Ingredients such as tempe flour, margarine, wheat flour, milk, sugar, salt, and baking powder ensure the crackers are nutritious. The production process is straightforward, involving mixing, kneading, rolling, shaping, and baking. A noodle roller is used during the rolling process to maintain consistent thickness. Each batch of crackers can be produced within two hours, adhering to a Research and Development (RnD) method with a 4D model (Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate) to ensure the product’s safety and quality.
Available in original and cheese flavors, Tempe Crackers offer a crunchy texture. “Tempe is known as a superfood, and we want people to enjoy it in a long-lasting form,” Ika explained. Both flavor variants are developed with market preferences in mind while showcasing the nutritional benefits of tempe as the primary ingredient.
Although the product is not yet available for sale and has only been showcased at food exhibitions, Ika is optimistic about its market potential. One significant challenge is finding eco-friendly packaging that is airtight and water-resistant to prevent the crackers from becoming stale. “This product is rare in the market, and I think people should try it because of its unique taste,” she said.
Ika hopes Tempe Crackers will inspire local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to creatively utilize local food ingredients, ultimately supporting the local economy. Her innovation exemplifies how a simple idea, combined with dedication and proper guidance, can have far-reaching impacts and benefits.
