Get to know the Upcycled Food Industry

Humans waste a lot of food. So much so, that according to EPA data, food waste is the most common material found in landfills and incinerated in the United States. When this food ends up in the landfills, the food itself is not the only thing that is being wasted. The energy and waste expended to produce the product goes to waste as well as the packaging and components used throughout the entire production process.

Food waste is a global issue that affects both developed and developing countries. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), one-third of all food produced globally for human consumption is wasted each year. In the United States alone, it is estimated that 40% of all food produced goes to waste, which amounts to $218 billion in economic losses each year.

 

What is Upcycled Food?

The upcycled food industry is an emerging sector of the food industry that aims to tackle food waste while promoting sustainable food practices. Upcycling is the process of using food waste or byproducts to create new, tasty, and value-added food products. This process not only reduces food waste but also creates additional revenue for the food industry. In today’s blog, learn about the benefits of upcycling food, examples of how food items are made from upcycled ingredients, and how the upcycled food industry can change the trajectory of food waste in the future!

 

The Benefits of Upcycling Food 

Sustainable, Innovative Solution: Upcycling food offers a sustainable solution to the problem of food waste. By using food waste and byproducts to create new products, the upcycling industry reduces the amount of food that goes to waste and ends up in landfills. In addition to the sustainable aspects of upcycling food, it provides the food industry with new products for consumers to purchase and grow the industry.

Nutritional Value: The upcycled food industry is also beneficial from a nutritional standpoint. Many food byproducts, such as fruit and vegetable peels, contain extremely valuable and healthy nutrients that are often thrown away. Upcycling these byproducts into new food products helps increase the amount of nutrients in the food products.

 

Examples of Upcycled Foods

A few examples of upcycled food products include juices made from unaesthetic or imperfect produce items, crackers made from spent brewing grains, and pasta made from vegetable pulp. These products are not only sustainable but also delicious, making them a win-win for consumers and the environment. It is truly incredible how an entirely new, nutritious, and tasty product can be made from byproducts or otherwise discarded food items.

 

The Future of Upcycling Food 

The upcycled food industry is still in its early stages, but it has massive potential to make a significant impact on the food industry and the environment. As consumers become more aware of the importance of sustainability and reducing food waste, the demand for upcycled food products is likely to grow as well.

The upcycled food industry also presents consumers and producers with unique opportunities for innovation and creativity. By using food waste and byproducts to create new products, the industry can help to promote a more circular economy and reduce the environmental impact of food production. Consumers can find new staple upcycled food products to keep on their grocery rotation list and feel part of the sustainable food industry by doing so.

In conclusion, the upcycled food industry is an exciting and innovative sector of the food industry that has the potential to promote sustainability and reduce food waste. By using food waste and byproducts to create new, value-added food products, the upcycling industry can help to create a more sustainable food system.

 

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 a plethora of 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