Development and Characterization of Launaea sarmentosa-Based Jelly Candy: Nutritional Composition,Antioxidant Activity, Lead Safety, and Sensory

Abstract

Background: Stunting remains a major child nutrition problem in Indonesia, requiring strategies that address protein quality, micronutrient content, and food acceptability. Sea lettuce (Launaea sarmentosa), an underutilized coastal plant traditionally consumed in Aceh, is a potential raw material for processed food development.
Objective: To develop a L. sarmentosa-based jelly candy, characterize its nutritional and bioactive properties, assess lead contamination, and identify the formulation with the highest sensory acceptability.
Methods: Three formulations containing 40 mL (F1), 50 mL (F2), and 60 mL (F3) of L. sarmentosa juice were prepared, with total liquid phase and all other components held constant. Raw material and products were analyzed for proximate composition, minerals, DPPH antioxidant activity, total flavonoids, and lead. Sixty semi-trained panelists rated color, taste, aroma, texture, and overall acceptability on a five-point hedonic scale. Differences were analyzed by one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05).
Results: Fresh leaves contained 5.54% protein, 7.71% crude fiber, 14.6 mg/100 g zinc, and 5.5 mg/100 g iron. Mean acceptability rose from F1 (3.437) to F2 (3.559) and F3 (3.790), with significant differences for color (p = 0.004), taste (p = 0.029), texture (p = 0.034), and overall acceptability (p < 0.001), but not aroma (p = 0.371). F3 scored highest on all attributes (overall acceptability 4.032) and showed the highest protein (4.32%), crude fiber (2.26%), and flavonoids (78.08 mg QE/100 g), with the lowest IC₅₀ (11.29 ppm). Lead remained ≤0.001 mg/kg throughout.
Conclusion: Increasing juice proportion to 60 mL improved nutritional-bioactive quality and sensory acceptability concurrently. F3 performed best within the tested range, though not necessarily optimally, as it coincided with the upper boundary tested. Given its modest micronutrient contribution, the product suits dietary diversification rather than targeted micronutrient intervention. Efficacy in stunted children requires direct evaluation.