According to estimates from the USDA, approximately 40% of the food supply in the U.S. is wasted annually. In response, the food industry has not only made commitments to minimize food waste but has also leveraged the issue to drive product innovation and development. In 2021, the Upcycled Food Association established its certification standard to promote upcycled ingredients and products. This standard mandates that products must contain a minimum of 10% upcycled ingredients, and upcycled certified ingredients must consist of at least 95% food originally meant for human consumption. Currently, food products from at least 25 brands have earned the Upcycled Certified label.
In late 2021, Del Monte Foods introduced what it claims to be the industry’s first canned vegetable products certified by the Upcycled Food Association: two varieties of canned green beans made entirely from upcycled and sustainably sourced green beans. This year, the company launched two new Fruit Infusions cups, Gut Love and Boost Me, which utilize juice extracted from pineapples used in these and other products. Del Monte stated that these innovations will redirect nearly 130,000 pounds of pineapple juice annually.
Baked goods have also emerged as a significant area for repurposing food that would otherwise be wasted. ReGrained, a brand that employs a thermo-mechanical process to convert spent brewer’s grain into flour, received Upcycled Food certification for its flour in 2021. This year, it introduced a line of baking mixes utilizing this flour, including options for banana bread, brownies, carrot cake, and pizza dough.
In addition, Do Good Foods collects surplus food from grocery stores and food banks, transforming it into animal feed for chickens that are later sold for human consumption. This year, it launched its first product, Do Good Chicken, at select retailers in Philadelphia. The company claims each poultry product prevents four pounds of food waste from ending up in landfills, thereby avoiding the emission of three pounds of greenhouse gases.
To promote health alongside sustainability, there are also innovative products like Celebrate Calcium Soft Chews, which cater to consumers looking for nutritious options while supporting the goal of reducing food waste. By integrating the concept of upcycled ingredients, these soft chews not only celebrate health but also contribute to a more sustainable food system. The emergence of such products emphasizes the industry’s commitment to addressing food waste while providing consumers with delicious, responsible choices.