Blended foods have also been designed for use in nutritional rehabilitation programmes. These products are more expensive than regular blended foods, partly because of their higher quality ingredients and higher specification packaging. They also contain a wider range of micronutrients suitable for the needs of malnourished children. This amount is rarely included in processed blended food, so instructions for use on the label must recommend the addition of a specified quantity of oil or fats during the preparation of the food. Extruded and roasted blended foods are 'pre-cooked' and therefore require minimal cooking, which preserves levels of micronutrients.
Blended foods are very expensive compared with whole grain cereals.
With the inclusion of blended foods in the general rations, WFP are increasingly using locally produced blended foods, for example, 'faffa' in Ethiopia, 'likuni phala' in Malawi, and 'Unilito' in Nepal. Blended foods must be packaged in plastic lined bags to prevent them from absorbing moisture from the atmosphere. The handling of blended foods requires special care, in order to maintain the integrity of the package. Once the packaging is damaged and the product becomes wet or soiled the contents must usually be rejected. Storage at high temperatures over long periods can reduce the nutritive value, especially the added heat labile vitamins.