Upcycling of food waste and food loss - A sustainable approach in the food sector

Background: Over the rising concerns of food wastage that is happening all over the world, Upcycled Foods (UF) are introduced to withhold the crisis. Food waste and food loss act as an essential or additional ingredient in the UF production for better and maximum utilization. And Upcycling in food sector is considered to be the first consumer-based solution.Scope and approach: UF is nothing new to this society on the household level but has been modernized for sustainability and commercialization. This paper express various stigmas and barriers faced by UF such as food neophobia, food technophobia and several other aspects including the economic and socio-demographic aspects. And to familiarize the readers with the concept of Upcycling and food waste management practices which could change the perception of the consumers, that is more acceptable towards to UF and sustainability in food supply chain.Key findings and conclusion: This review could help both scholars and industrialists realize the urgency and importance of implementing the upcycling process in the food sector. The article discusses food waste and food waste management practices and gives clarity about upcycling as it holds different definitions. The concept of circular bioeconomy justifies upcycling as it is a sustainable approach to using minimum resources that account for reducing the generation of food wastage and greenhouse emissions. Yet there is still a dilemma for the complete acceptance of upcycling, there needs to be more research done on the consumer's behavioural patterns.