A recent literature review conducted by Agroscope within the EU Horizon 2020 project WASTELESS examines the growing body of research on food system by-products and their potential for valorisation. Based on an analysis of 52 review articles, the study finds that plant-based side streams dominate current research, particularly those derived from fruits (e.g. pomace, peels, seeds) and brewery residues, with applications ranging from baked goods to processed foods. In contrast, animal-based side streams—especially from meat—remain significantly underexplored, despite their potential to reduce food losses linked to consumer preferences.
The review highlights that while technological applications for upcycling side streams are expanding, key challenges remain regarding their industrial use and market integration. In particular, consumer acceptance is identified as a critical bottleneck: although there is general openness toward upcycled products, willingness to pay tends to be lower, and factors such as taste, appearance, and perceived added value strongly influence acceptance. The study underscores the need for further research on both technological pathways and consumer behaviour to unlock the full potential of food system side streams.
