Case study on bioactive compounds derived from food wastes

Abstract

The global food industry generates a large amount of waste, which presents both an environmental challenge and an opportunity to utilize valuable bioactive compounds (proteins, fibers, polysaccharides, flavoring agents, and phytochemicals). In many countries, these bioactive compounds are considered essential for producing nutraceuticals and functional foods, which are gaining popularity among consumers. Recent studies show that food waste, especially by-products of fruits and vegetables, is an excellent source of bioactive compounds. These can be extracted and incorporated into food matrices to create nutraceuticals, functional foods, or natural food additives. A comprehensive review of the classification, origin, extraction, and application of bioactive compounds from food waste underlines the study findings. This chapter highlights the potential of bioactive compounds derived from food waste as a sustainable solution to the global food waste issue and the growing demand for health-promoting natural ingredients.