Best production practices manual
Upcycling is emerging as a transformative concept in the food industry, addressing global challenges such as food waste, supply chain security, and sustainability. In 2020, the Upcycled Food Association (UFA) introduced a clear definition of upcycled food to guide policymakers and businesses. Their definition emphasizes the use of ingredients that would otherwise not be consumed by humans, a verifiable supply chain, and positive environmental impacts.
The global upcycled food products market is valued at USD 66.8 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a 6.5% CAGR to USD 125.39 billion by 2035 (OpenPR, 2026), driven by rising demand for sustainable consumption and advances in food processing technologies.
Alexandra Grygorczyk, PhD; Jingyu He, MFC; Amy Jenkins, MSc
March 2026