Abstract
In the context of growing interest in functional nutrition, enriching food products with naturally active compounds is an important task. This research aimed to develop extruded cereal crackers enriched with concentrates from wild plants in Kazakhstan, such as hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata), chokeberry, rosehip, and sea buckthorn. The concentrates were obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction and concentrated using vacuum evaporation. Wheat and buckwheat crispbreads were prepared by high-temperature extrusion. Afterwards, a plant-based syrup containing the concentrates was applied. This was a controlled experimental study. Samples were prepared using a fixed recipe and analyzed for bioflavonoid content and quality indicators. The bioactive composition was evaluated in the accredited laboratory of Nutritest LLP according to the methodology Р 4.1.1672-2003. The highest content of rutin (157.8 ± 7.9 mg/100 g) was observed in hawthorn samples, dihydroquercetin (181.93 ± 9.10 mg/100 g) in chokeberry samples, and chlorogenic acid (42.75 ± 2.14 mg/100 g) in sea buckthorn samples. All samples met physicochemical standards (moisture, acidity, ash content). The study confirmed the high antioxidant activity and potential of wild plants for the development of functional foods. These products have attractive sensory characteristics and are promising for use in preventive nutrition.