Crafting High-Protein, Low-Calorie wellness Cookies: A Natural & Biotech-Driven Approach

Increased global snack consumption, particularly in middle and low-income countries, is a concern given that many snacks are typically high in harmful fats, refined sugars, and salts that are linked to metabolic disorders. This study aimed to develop novel plant-based wellness cookies designed to support core body functions, including blood sugar management, gastrointestinal health, anti-bloating, skin health, and muscle recovery. This was achieved through the incorporation of natural bioactive compounds from marine and plant sources, which are rich in protein and fiber, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. The research focused on bridging the gap between nutrition, health, and sensory delight to create a multiple beneficial effects snack that is both healthy and palatable. The methods involved comprehensive phytochemical screening (including pigment content, qualitative screening, antioxidant activity, and chromatography), in vitro cytotoxicity assay using normal and cancer cell lines, formulation and thorough nutritional analysis the cookie, and consumer-based sensory evaluation. Results indicated strong antioxidant activity at a concentration of 100 µg/ml., with turmeric extract exhibiting 85.00% DPPH radical scavenging activity and beetroot exhibiting 87.90% reducing power in the KMnO4 reducing power assay, and anticancer selectivity of the natural extracts, as shown by an IC50 value of 54.76 ± 1.39 µg/ml of turmeric against HepG2 cancer cells compared to 819.06 ± 5.90 µg/ml against normal Wi38 cells. The cookies developed had more protein and fiber content than the conventional ones, with cookies in Batch 1 containing approximately 18.55-19.04 g/100g protein compared to 11.50 g/100g of the control, and with improved sensory qualities, where 60% of the panelists rated the taste as "Delightful", whereas 65% rated the visual appearance as "Delightful". This study contributes to the emerging field of clean-label and nutritionally enhanced snacks by providing an integrated model of wellness food development that addresses relevant consumer demands for healthy, appetizing, and sustainable food.