Characterization of functional soft candies developed for use in disasters and emergency situations

Nutrition is one of the most fundamental human rights, as healthy nutrition is essential to sustain life. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI 2025) Report indicates that global crises negatively affect food security through rising food prices. Developing alternative food products to improve access to healthy, affordable, and nutritious foods for individuals affected by disasters is crucial for protecting public health. Emergency foods should be easy to transport, have a long shelf life, and contain functional components that support the immune system. Gummy candies, with their practical consumption, potential for enrichment with various nutrients, sensory acceptability, and motivational effects, can serve as suitable alternatives to support the psychological well-being of individuals under challenging conditions. This study aimed to develop a functional gummy candy suitable for consumption in emergency situations, rich in protein and antioxidants, with immune-supporting and satiety-enhancing properties. A sugar-free base formulation (control) and four functional formulations were developed as alternatives to conventional candies. These formulations were enhanced by adding pea protein and whey protein as protein sources and Rosa canina (rosehip) and Moringa oleifera as antioxidant components. As a result of the analyses, the highest protein content (1.31 ± 0.31%) and antioxidant activity (1.73 g TE/100 mL) were identified in the WPKB sample containing whey protein and rosehip; the same sample also provided prolonged satiety, as indicated by a lower hunger score (44.00 mm) and reduced sweet craving (34.14 mm) at 180 minutes. The highest total phenolic content was found in the BPKB sample containing pea protein and rosehip (0.19 GAE/100 mL), while the BPMO formulation with pea protein and Moringa oleifera showed the highest dietary fiber content (11.13%). Overall, the WPKB formulation demonstrated the most balanced performance in terms of antioxidant activity and subjective satiety. The findings indicate that functional gummy candies enriched with protein and antioxidants could serve as nutritious, immune-supporting, and sensorially acceptable emergency food alternatives.