Development of Functional Probiotics Candy Using Dark Chocolate

Abstract

This study looks into making a probiotic candy that works well using dark chocolate as a way to deliver the probiotics. The digestive system is key for breaking down food, supporting the immune system, and controlling metabolism. Keeping a healthy balance of gut bacteria is important for overall health. Probiotics are good bacteria that help restore that balance and improve health. However, keeping these probiotics alive during processing and storage is difficult. This study uses dark chocolate as a non-dairy option to carry probiotics because it has plenty of polyphenols, fats, and antioxidants that help protect the probiotics. A mix was made with cocoa powder, cocoa butter, oats powder, milk powder, honey, a sugar substitute, salt, and probiotic capsules. The candy was tested for its physical and chemical properties, taste, and how well it stays stable. The results showed it was well-liked, stable, and had good potential for keeping the probiotics alive. The study says that a probiotic candy made with dark chocolate could be a good functional food for better gut health.