Alcohol-free wine based jelly candies enriched with grape pomace extracts with antioxidant and antidiabetic properties: Implications for sustainable development and health benefits

Pinot noir and Chardonnay wines were dealcoholised, reducing the ethanol to final content below 0.5 mL/100 mL and concentrating their non-volatile extract. Grape pomace (wine industry by-product) was incorporated as a source of bioactive compounds. The influence of temperature and ultrasonic treatment on polyphenols extraction efficiency was assessed. The best extraction yield was found when 60 min of ultrasonic treatment followed by 60 min of shaking at 60 °C were applied. Pinot noir grape pomace extracts contained higher levels of phenolic acids, catechins, tannins, and anthocyanins, whereas Chardonnay lacked anthocyanins and resveratrol. These extracts were incorporated into the production of functional jelly candies formulated with dealcoholised wine, dietary fibers, and natural sweeteners. Pinot noir jellies consistently showed greater phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and stronger α-glucosidase inhibition compared to Chardonnay, with values nearly twice as effective as acarbose when expressed as GAE. Pinot noir extracts provided an intense, wine-like character of jelly candies and high functional value, but their excessive astringency requires optimization. Chardonnay extracts offered a milder and more consumer friendly sensory profile.
The presented jelly candies are an innovative example of functional confectionery with nutritional and commercial relevance, aligning with current consumer demand for health-promoting, environmentally responsible and sustainable food products.