Title:Herbal Candies: A Potential Source of Health Benefits
Volume: 20
Issue: 9
Author(s): Rekha Kailey, Prasad Rasane*, Jyoti Singh, Sawinder Kaur, Mahendra Gunjal, Jaspreet Kaur, Vishesh Bhadariya and Harshal Avinashe
Affiliation:
- Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara,
Punjab-144411, India
Keywords:
Confectionery, candy, herbal, consumer awareness, health benefits, sugar, sweeteners.
Abstract: Candy is a popular product consumed by children, young and elderly alike. The major
ingredient sugar makes it an instant source of energy, mostly blended with a variety of flavors and
colors for sensory and aesthetic appeal. Flavors such as caramel, chocolate, peppermint, butterscotch,
and vanilla are the most popular among many, that comprises of more than 2000 kinds. Although
synthetic flavors and colors are predominant, natural sources such as herbs are being increasingly
used. Herbal (made from herbs) products have lesser effects, more therapeutic effects,
and health benefits. The advantages of herbs used in candy manufacturing are safe, with good efficacy,
lower side effect, compatibility with the human body, and wide cultural acceptability. Herbal
candies are used as an efficient delivery system for vitamins, minerals, and numerous bioactive
compounds like anthocyanin, lycopene, ascorbic acid, etc. They are a remedy of choice in
case of cough, sore throat, digestive and stomach problems. The choice of herb often is influenced
based on the target health problem, reduced side effects, availability, and preferences. Apart from
sugar, these candies are also manufactured using sweetening agents. Sugar and sweeteners consumption
is associated with various myths and prejudices owing to increased health concerns. The
review is thus designed to justify various aspects of herbal candy like production process, ingredients,
historical importance, and types of herbal candies, myths, facts and risks, consumer awareness
towards herbal candies. The paper will also draw a roadmap for the future of herbal candy
amongst today’s health-wary consumers.