eng Enviro Research Publishers Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal 2347-467X 2322-0007 2026-07-06 14 2 26514 article Mansi Tiwari 1 Premila Laishram Bordoloi 2 Amita Beniwal 3 Mridula Saikia Barooah 2 Department of Community Science, Lakhimpur Girls College, Lakhimpur, India Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, India Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India The study aims to systematically develop and evaluate a Ready-To-Use (RTU) cutlet mix fortified with fish powder at various substitution levels. The developed cutlet mix were exposed to quality evaluation in terms of proximate composition, mineral profile, storage stability, and sensory performances. Evidence of substantial improvement in nutritional quality of the product with increasing proportion of fish powder were obtained by significant elevations in protein (9.78 ± 0.10 to 27.08 ± 0.70 g/100 g) and fat content (0.56 ± 0.05 - 4.36 ± 0.21 g/100 g), alongside a marked reduction in carbohydrate content (85.38 ± 0.14 to 56.78 ± 0.60 g/100 g). Total ash and minerals, particularly calcium (34.41 ± 0.46 to 476.42 ± 0.14 mg/100 g), phosphorus (75.52±4.91 - 277.14±9.70 mg/100g), and iron (0.51±0.15 - 3.04±0.17 mg/100g), showed significant increments, underscoring the micronutrient-enhancing potential of the formulation. Although sensory acceptability exhibited a gradual decline during storage, the fortified mixes retained acceptable organoleptic attributes throughout the evaluated period. Overall, incorporation of fish powder substantially enhances the nutritional density of RTU cutlet mixes, positioning the product as a promising protein- and mineral-rich alternative. Ensuring optimal packaging and controlled storage conditions remains critical for preserving quality and consumer acceptability. https://www.foodandnutritionjournal.org/volume14number2/nutrient-enhancement-and-quality-evaluation-of-a-fish-powder-incorporated-ready-to-use-cutlet-mix/ Cutlet Mix Fish powder Nutritional Enhancement Protein rich Ready-To-Use