Get to know the Upcycled Food Industry

Food waste is the most frequent item dumped in landfills and burned in America. The food itself is not the only thing that gets wasted when it goes into landfills. The packaging and materials utilized throughout the whole production process, as well as the energy and waste used to make the product, are all wasted.

Global food waste is a problem that both wealthy and developing nations must address. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that each year, one-third of all the food produced for human use worldwide is wasted. An estimated 40% of all food produced in the United States alone is wasted, resulting in $218 billion in annual economic losses.

 

Upcycled food: What is it?

A growing segment of the food industry called “upcycled food” strives to reduce food waste while advancing sustainable eating habits. Utilizing food waste or byproducts to produce fresh, flavorful, and value-added food items is known as upcycling. This method increases revenue for the food business while simultaneously reducing food waste. Discover the advantages of upcycling food in today’s blog post, as well as some examples of foods prepared using upcycled ingredients and how the upcycling food sector may influence the future of food waste!

 

The Advantages of Upcycled Food

Upcycling food offers an inventive and sustainable solution to the issue of food waste. The upcycling industry lowers the quantity of food that is wasted and dumped in landfills by turning food waste and leftovers into new goods. Upcycling food offers the food industry new goods for people to buy, expanding the industry in addition to its ecological aspects.

Nutritional Value: The recycled food sector is also advantageous in terms of nutrition. Peels from fruits and vegetables, for example, contain incredibly vital and nutritious elements yet are frequently discarded dietary leftovers. The amount of nutrients in the food items is increased through the upcycling of these byproducts into new food products.

 

Typical Upcycled Foods Examples

Juices manufactured from unsightly or flawed fruit items, crackers made from used brewing grains, and pasta made from vegetable pulp are a few examples of upcycled food products. These goods are both environmentally friendly and delectable, benefiting both customers and the environment.It is quite amazing how food waste or other byproducts can be transformed into a brand-new, wholesome, and delicious product.

 

The Future of Food Upcycling

Although the upcycled food industry is still in its infancy, it has enormous potential to have a profound effect on both the environment and the food sector. The market for upcycled food products is projected to increase as customers become more conscious of the value of sustainability and minimizing food waste.

Additionally, the recycled food market offers producers and consumers distinctive chances for innovation and creativity. The sector may contribute to the promotion of a more circular economy and lessen the environmental effect of food production by using food waste and byproducts to develop new products. Customers can discover new basic upcycled food items to keep on their shopping list and feel like they’re supporting the sustainable food sector.

 

Resources for Valuable Information about the Upcycled Food Industry

There is an entire association dedicated to increasing awareness about the upcycled food industry and getting consumers excited and interested in this movement. The Upcycled Food Association (UFA) is in its third year of operation and has achieved some incredible milestones since their formation!

On their website, you can find information regarding upcycling, lists of certified upcycled products to look for on the market, how to become a member and so much more.

 

Here at Softengine, we are committed to improving the sustainability of the food industry. Our ERP solution Food One powered by SAP Business One, provides SMB food businesses with increased visibility and reporting methods that help them make better informed, sustainable decisions. From raw materials management, supply chain visibility, and route management, Food One provides scalability and insight into all business processes.

 

We hope today’s blog has been informative and thought provoking about such an innovative emerging industry in the food sector. Further resources can be found below:

Upcycled Food: The Coolest and Wisest Trend to Reduce Food Waste (planetcustodian.com)

Food Waste and its Links to Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change | USDA

Upcycled Food Association, Foundation, and Certification