Development and Evaluation of Herbal Healthy Bites Enriched with 3% Launaea procumbens Leaf Powder

This study aimed to develop functional healthy bites enriched with L. procumbens leaf powder and evaluate their nutritional, phytochemical, antioxidant, sensory, microbiological, and storage properties. Authenticated L. procumbens leaves were dried, powdered, and incorporated into the formulation at 3%, 5%, and 7%. Based on preliminary sensory evaluation, the 3% formulation was selected and compared with the control for nutritional composition, B-complex vitamins, phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, mineral bio-accessibility, sensory evaluation, microbiological quality, and storage stability. The 3% herbal formulation significantly increased crude fiber (2.2 g/100 g), dietary fiber (11.2 g/100 g), calcium (82.87 mg/100 g), magnesium (76.36 mg/100 g), potassium (322.6 mg/100 g), and iron (4.49 mg/100 g), while maintaining comparable protein content. Riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid increased, whereas thiamine, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 were below analytical detection limits. Total polyphenols (4551.50 µg GAE/g of extract), flavonoids (1432.00 µg RE/g of extract), tannins, and saponins increased, accompanied by enhanced DPPH radical-scavenging activity (IC₅₀ 9.64). Oxalate decreased, whereas phytic acid increased. Mineral bio-accessibility improved, and sensory and microbiological assessments indicated acceptable product quality. Incorporating L. procumbens leaf powder improved dietary fiber, mineral content, selected B-complex vitamins, and phytochemical properties. However, the increased phytic acid content warrants consideration when interpreting mineral availability. Healthy bites containing 3% L. procumbens leaf powder show potential as nutritionally enhanced functional snacks. Acceptable sensory quality was maintained for 30 days under accelerated storage conditions. the estimated three-month ambient shelf life requires validation under actual storage conditions.