Assessment of the Nutritional Content of Popular Street Foods Consumed by University Students in Ile-Ife, Osun State

Street food consumption is a widespread dietary practice among university students in Nigeria, with significant implications for nutritional health and food safety. This study evaluates the macronutrient and selected micronutrient content of commonly consumed street foods among students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, South West Nigeria. The reliance of students on unregulated food vendors, combined with time constraints and limited cooking facilities, creates conditions for nutritional deficiencies and diet-related health risks. A descriptive laboratory-based study was conducted. Commonly consumed street food items including fried yam, bean cake, rice and stew, and roasted plantain were identified through a preliminary survey of 150 students using a food frequency questionnaire. Representative samples were purchased from vendors across the campus vicinity and subjected to proximate analysis using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists standard methods to determine moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre, and ash content. Micronutrient analysis for iron and zinc was also performed. Results are expected to reveal low protein content, high fat and simple carbohydrate levels, and poor micronutrient density in most items. The findings will provide a nutritional evidence base for campus food vendor regulation and student dietary guidance. Keywords: street foods, nutritional composition, university students, Ile-Ife, proximate analysis.