Product description

"Tooke Cookies" is not a standard, well-known product name. It seems to be a variation of "Tooke biscuits" or "Tooke Biscoitos" produced in Uganda by the Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre (BIRDC). The key feature is the use of green banana flour (known locally as "tooke" or "matooke") as a significant ingredient, blended with wheat flour to create a unique cookie-like product. The biscuits are offered in different shapes, such as circular and rectangular, and are part of a larger line of products designed to add value to the country's banana crop.

These biscuits are distinct from traditional cookies in that their primary flour base is not just wheat. They are designed to be a shelf-stable, convenient snack.

Key highlights

1. Unique Flour Blend: The main highlight is the use of a composite flour, typically with a blend of wheat flour (around 37%) and banana flour (around 19%). This gives the biscuits a unique flavor and texture profile.
2. Not Gluten-Free: Despite containing banana flour, a naturally gluten-free ingredient, the biscuits are not gluten-free due to the substantial amount of wheat flour in their composition. They also contain other allergens like lactose and soy.
3. Supports Local Economy: As a product of the BIRDC, these biscuits are part of a broader initiative to support Ugandan farmers by creating value-added products from their abundant banana harvest.
4. Convenient and Shelf-Stable: The biscuits are a shelf-stable product with a long shelf life, making them a practical and durable food item for snacking.
5. Variety of Shapes and Flavors: They come in different shapes, such as the "Tooke Flories" circular biscuits and rectangular biscuits, and are noted as being "flavored."