DEVELOPMENT OF GELATIN GUMMIES FORTIFIED WITH EGGSHELL: AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO IMPROVE NUTRITIONAL QUALITY

Abstract

Traditional gummies, consumed daily, are soft, sweet, and chewy candies that, despite their pleasant flavor, do not provide a significant amount of nutrients to be considered truly healthy. In Colombia, per capita egg consumption per year totals approximately 132 units [1], where the amount of discarded eggshells, estimated at almost 8 million tons per year, ends up in landfills, thus contributing to environmental degradation. Furthermore, calcium deficiency is reflected in an increase in bone diseases in adults and young people. Based on this, the purpose of this article is to develop a formulation of ultra-soft gelatin gummies, naturally fortified with eggshells, a calcium-rich raw material. The results indicate that the gummies have an appropriate shelf life, between 32°C and 35°C, are rich in calcium, rich in collagen, and offer good texture and flavor. The public is showing interest in consuming this product, considering that they value its nutritional value and environmental sustainability, consuming waste material that can normally be discarded.