Chokeberry Extract as a Natural Alternative to Synthetic Dyes in Jelly Candies

Abstract

Matching the general trend of replacing syn- thetic additives with healthier natural products, the present research studies the effects of different concentrations of chokeberry extract which substitute carmoisine dye in jelly candies. Also, the colour and antioxidant properties of the aforementioned extract and their changes at various pH and in presence of different mineral salts from foods are anal- ysed. The phenolic content of the extract was determined using HPLC and spectrophotometric methods. A high concentration of polyphenols was found in the chokeberry extract, of which around 97% were flavonoids. Catechin, epicatechin, ferulic acid and its methyl esther, protocate- chuic, gallic and para-hydroxybenzoic acids were the major phenolics identified in the extract. The total antiox- idant activity decreased in acidic media, while close-to- neutral and alkaline pH values did not exhibit any effect on this parameter. Furthermore, the green/red colour parame- ter, the chroma and the hue angle were enhanced in the most acidic media (pH 2.3 and 3.5). From the studied salts, CaCl2 and KNO3 had the most significant effects on colour. The chokeberry extract proved to be suitable as replace- ment of carmoisine dye in jelly candies, as the physico- chemical and microbiological properties comply with the regulated requirements. More than that, the extract improved the antioxidant and sensory properties of jellies in all studied concentrations and the best total sensory score was obtained for 1.5% extract. After 5 and 50 days of storage, the microbiological properties were improved in candies prepared with aronia extracts compared to car- moisine, as the total viable count registered important diminutions.