IntroductionA healthy and balanced diet is a key factor in supporting the normal functioning of the human body and maintaining both physical and psychological well-being. The consumption of natural foods enriched with beneficial nutrients helps preserve health, maintain productivity, and enhance the body’s resistance to infectious diseases [1-3]. However, the modern food industry produces a large number of products with high levels of fat, simple carbohydrates, salt, preservatives, and various chemical food additives. Regular consumption of such products leads to metabolic disorders, resulting in excess body weight, elevated cholesterol levels, and impaired intestinal function. Therefore, it is essential to develop food products that contain only natural nutrients and are enriched with biologically active substances and dietary fiber. A wide range of beneficial substances is found in plant-based raw materials – fruits, vegetables, and berries [4, 5]. Along with terrestrial plant materials, marine algae serve as a valuable source of physiologically important substances. Seaweed is rich in alginic acids, dietary fiber, and other beneficial compounds. Its inclusion in the human diet promotes detoxification and helps regulate the balance of beneficial intestinal microflora. For example, kelp contains a high amount of fucoxanthin, which plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels, thereby helping to prevent the development of diabetes. The large amount of dietary fiber in kelp also helps prevent overeating, allowing one to feel full for an extended period due to the nutritional saturation of the body with essential substances [6-8]. Pastila is a confectionery product made from finely ground fruits and berries with added sugar [9, 10]. The incorporation of seaweed during its production enhances the nutritional and functional value of the final product. Objects and methods of researchThe objects of the study were samples of pastila made with seaweed. The following ingredients were used in accordance with relevant ISS standards: Frozen seaweed (ISS 31583-2012); Fresh carrots (ISS 32366-2013); Fresh pumpkin (ISS 7975-2013); Dried apricots (ISS 32896-2014); Frozen black currants (ISS R 51074-2003); Berry jam (ISS 34113-2017); Granulated sugar (ISS 33222-2015); Agar-agar (ISS 16280-2002); Sesame seeds (ISS 12095-76); Coconut flakes (ISS 51074-2003). Protein and mineral content were determined according to ISS 7636-85. Lipids were assessed by express method in accordance with ISS 28829-86. Moisture content was measured using an ML-50 moisture analyzer. Drying of pastila was carried out using a Tabai PERFECT OVEN – ORIGINAL PV-110 convection dryer. Microbiological indicators were determined in accordance with ISS ISO 7218-2015. Organoleptic evaluation was performed using a profiling method. For constructing the profile diagrams, a developed scoring scale was used, presented in Table 1. Table 1Scoring scale for organoleptic evaluation of seaweed pastila qualityQuality indicatorsDescriptionPointsAppearanceRectangular, triangular, or oval plates without chips, 1.0-1.5 mm thick 5Same shape, no chips, 1.6-2.0 mm thick4Same shape, no chips, 2.5-3.0 mm thick3Same shape, minor edge chips, 2.5-3.0 mm thick2Same shape, surface chipping, 2.5-3.0 mm thick1TextureJelly-like, moderately firm5Jelly-like, firm4Jelly-like, very firm3Jelly-like, very firm, hard2Jelly-like, very firm, very hard1ColorDark orange or burgundy with kelp inclusions5Dark orange or dark burgundy with kelp4Brown with kelp3Dark brown with kelp2Dark brown with grayish tint1Ending of Table 1Quality indicatorsDescriptionPointsAromaDried fruits or berries5Same, with a hint of kelp4Same, with pronounced kelp3Faint aroma of fruits and kelp2Weak aroma, stale odor1TasteModerately sweet, fruity or dried fruit taste5Same, with slight kelp aftertaste4Same, with pronounced kelp3Faint aroma of fruits and kelp2Weak aroma, stale odor1  The content of toxic elements was determined according to ISS 33824-2016, ISS 30538-97. The content of pesticides according to ISS 32689.1-2014. Results and discussionAs a result of previous research, formulations of pastila with added seaweed were developed. The main components included Japanese kelp, carrots, pumpkin, currants, honeysuckle jam, dried apricots, agar-agar, and sugar. Seaweed was first thawed and thoroughly rinsed in water. Then, a 2 : 1 ratio of water to seaweed was added and heated until boiling. The water was drained, and new water acidified with citric acid was added. After boiling resumed, the kelp was cooked for an additional 15 minutes. Vegetables (carrots, pumpkin) were peeled, chopped, and boiled. After cooling, they were finely ground. Dried apricots were softened by soaking in hot water (70-80 °C) for 15-20 minutes. The prepared raw materials were mixed with sugar, agar-agar solution was added, and the mixture was cooked for 30-40 minutes. It was then cooled to50-55 °C, spread in a 0.5 mm thick layer on trays, and dried using a stepwise regime: Phase 1-46 °C for 5 hours; Phase 2-58 °C for 5 hours; Phase 3-35 °C for 3 hours. After drying, the pastila was dusted with sesame seeds or coconut flakes, sliced into portions, and packaged. Pastila with seaweed was made according to the developed recipes (Table 2). Table 2Formulations of pastila with seaweed ComponentMain ingredients, kg per 100 kg of finished productRecipe 1Recipe 2Recipe 3Recipe 4Recipe 5Seaweed (kelp)21.028.036.036.026.0Carrot16.4–17.014.5Pumpkin–15.5–26.0Dried apricots13.615.416.518.0Black currant–12.2–––Honeysuckle jam–13.5 Auxiliary ingredientsSugar21.426.030.027.0–Agar-agar1.5Sesame seeds–0.5–0.5–Coconut flakes0.5–0.5–0.5  The technological scheme for the production of pastilles with seaweed is shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 1. Technological scheme for the production of pastila with seaweed  The chemical composition and caloric content of the finished products were determined. Depending on the recipe, the pastila contained 1.31-2.3% protein, 0.29-0.48% lipids, 50.2-73.65% carbohydrates, 1.7-3.0% mine-rals, 15.03-24.92% water. The energy value was 201.4-285.9 kcal (Table 3). Table 3Chemical composition and energy value of pastila with seaweedRecipeProtein, %Lipids, %Carbohydrates, %Moisture, %Minerals, %Energy, kcal/100g11.550.3559.8021.892.3232.721.310.4167.1417.032.5260.531.350.2973.8515.032.7285.941.460.3364.5018.503.0249.052.300.4850.2024.921.7201.4  Sensory evaluation showed that the seaweed pastila had a berry-fruit taste with a light kelp aftertaste. Recipe 2 demonstrated the best organoleptic characteristics due to its rich berry flavor and aroma, slightly accented by kelp, compared to other formulations (Table 4). Table 4 Organoleptic quality indicators of pastila with seaweedRecipeColorTasteAromaTexture1Dark orangeModerately sweet with dried apricot flavorDried fruit aromaJelly-like, moderately firm2Dark burgundySweet, berry-likeBright berry aroma3Yellowish greenSweet with pronounced kelp aftertasteDried fruit aromaFirm, jelly-like4Brown with dark green inclusionsSweet with light kelp and carrot aftertasteMild berry aromaJelly-like, firm5BurgundySweet with slight tartnessBerry aromaJelly-like, moderately firm  The pastila was packaged in polymer bags and stored at 18 °C and 75-80% relative humidity for 6 months. Microbiological monitoring was conducted monthly. During the entire shelf life, the total microbial count (QMAFAnM) remained within acceptable limits (not exceeding 1.0 × 10³ CFU/g), ranging from 2.5 × 10¹ to 1.8 × 10² CFU/g. Tests for coliform bacteria (BGKP), yeast, and mold were negative (Table 5). Table 5Microbiological indicators of pastila with seaweedIndicatorAcceptable limitMeasured valuesTotal mesophilic aerobic and facultative-anaerobicmicroorganisms (QMAFAnM), CFU/g≤ 1 × 10³2.5 × 10¹ to 1.8 × 10²Coliform bacteria (BGKP), per 0.1 gNot allowedNot detectedMold, CFU/g≤ 100Yeast, CFU/g≤ 50  The results of the organoleptic properties of the pastila with seaweed showed that immediately after preparation it had a jelly-like, dense to moderately dense consistency. The color of the pastila varied from dark orange to brown with a greenish tint. The products had a pleasant smell of dried fruits or berries, with the aroma of the added components and a pleasant sweet taste, with a slight flavor of kelp and other added components. The pastila prepared according to recipe 2 received the highest score. Of the developed pastila recipes, after conducting a point assessment of the organoleptic quality indicators, it is possibleto conduct a prolongation in descending order: recipe 2, 4, 5, 1, 3.   a bc d  e  Fig. 2. Profilograms of changes in organoleptic quality indicatorsof pastilles with seaweed depending on the shelf life:a – recipe 1; b – recipe 2; c – recipe 3; d – recipe 4; e – recipe 5  After 3 months of storage, a slight intensification of kelp aroma was observed in Recipes 1, 4, and 5. In Recipe 3, more significant changes were noted – darkening of the surface and increased sweetness. After6 months, some samples developed a stronger sweet taste and a diminished aroma, but overall organoleptic properties remained satisfactory.Toxicological testing confirmed that all contaminant levels remained within permissible limits throughout the shelf life  Table 6 Safety indicators of pastila with seaweed, mg/kgIndicatorPermissible limitMeasured valueToxic elementsLeadArsenicCadmiumMercury≤ 1.00.16 ± 0.05≤ 1.00.014 ± 0.01≤ 0.1Not detected≤ 0.01PesticidesHexachlorocyclohexane (α, β, γ isomers)≤ 0.2Not detectedDDT and metabolites≤ 0.4MycotoxinsAflatoxin B≤ 0.005Not detected  The shelf life of pastila packaged in polymer bags has been established: at a temperature of 18 ℃ and humidity of 75-80% – 6 months. ConclusionsThus, formulations of pastila incorporating seaweed, vegetables, fruits, and berries have been developed. A stepwise drying regime was applied: Phase 1 – 46 °C for 5 hours; Phase 2 – 58 °C  or 5  hours;  Phase3 – 35 °C for 3 hours. The shelf life of pastila in polymer packaging was determined to be 6 months under storage conditions of 18 °C and 75-80% relative humidity. Organoleptic characteristics, nutritional and energy values, and safety indicators were assessed. The results confirm that the quality of the product complies with the requirements established by the current technical regulations for this type of confectionery.