## 1 Introduction  
Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa ([PERSON] [PERSON]) is widely distributed in eastern, southern, and central parts of Europe, being grown on an industrial scale [1]. Aronia fruits are used in the manufacture of juices, pures, jams, jellies and wine [2]. This is due to the high content of polyphenols, with considerable antioxidant activity and a remarkable coloring potential [3, 4].  
Among the polyphenols present in aronia, quercetin is the strongest antioxidant among the monomer phenolic compounds, followed by cyanidol-glucose and chlorogenic acid [5]. Anthocyanins, flavonoids and hydroxymamic acids contribute about 59.4% of the total antioxidant activity of aronia without assuming the possible synergism/antagonism between individual antioxidants [6]. About 40% of antioxidant activity can be attributed to proanthocyanindins, the main antioxidants of aronia fruit [7]. [PERSON] et al., showed that anthocyanins in aronia fruit show a pronounced reduction and antiradical activity, which exceeds the corresponding indices of other polyphenols and vitamin C [8]. The aronia fruits, due to their high biologically active compounds (BAC) content, have a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as pronounced antioxidant activity and medicinal and therapeutic benefits: gastroprotective, hepatotoxicity, antiproliferative and antiinflammatory [9]. Aronia can help prevent chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, diabetes and cardiovascular disease [10]. The health benefit of aronia fruits against inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells has been shown [11]. These fruits show antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic bacteria _Bacillus cereus_, _Pseudomonas aeruginosa_ and _Staphylococcus aureus_[12].  
Confectionery masses are used as a filling for candies, biscuits and other pastries. To assign the color red, synthetic dyes such as azorubine (E122), amaranth (E123), ponceau 4R (E124), erythrosine (E127) and allura red AC (E129) are used [13], which can affect the health of consumers often causing allergic reactions and aggravating asthma [14]. Foods containing azorubine (E122) are not recommended for children because this substance causes the syndrome of hyperactivity and lack of concentration [15]. In this context, in order to replace synthetic dyes, there is an opportunity to use extracts and aronia fruit powder in the production of sugar confectionery. In addition, there is a need in the development of technology for the manufacture of sugar products with natural dyes, beneficial to the health of the human body. The application of BAC from powders and extracts of aronia fruit in the creation of sugar products for the replacement of synthetic dyes is particularly current [16; 17].  
Thus, the aim of this paper was to underline the possibility to use aronia extract and powder for the enrichment of confectionery masses. For this purpose, the aronia extract was characterized regarding the content of bioactive compounds, organic acids and color parameters. Then, the effects of aronia extract and powder on confectionery masses' properties on the 1 st day and after 50 days of storage were evaluated by investigating the sensory profile and physicochemical and microbiological characteristics, including antioxidant activity.