Will Consumers Embrace Novel Foods?
As our global food systems face increasing pressure to become more sustainable, innovative solutions are taking shape across Europe—and some of them may already be on your plate. But what exactly are novel foods, and how ready are we, as consumers, to welcome them into our daily diets? What Are Novel Foods? In the European Union, novel foods refer to products that were not widely consumed before May 15, 1997, when the first regulation on this category came into force. This category includes newly developed foods, those produced using innovative technologies or processes, and foods traditionally eaten outside the EU.
Why Food Processing Matters in the Future of Healthy and Sustainable Eating?
Food processing plays a crucial role in modern food systems. It helps extend shelf life, enhances flavor and texture, ensures food safety, and allows for convenient distribution. While taste, cost, and convenience have long driven food choices, today’s consumers are placing growing importance on health, wellness, and environmental impact.This shift has driven growing demand for minimally processed foods, especially those perceived as “natural” or “organic.” More than ever, people are seeking out foods rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds—those beneficial plant and food components that may reduce disease risk and support overall health.Health-conscious consumers are also analysing ingredient lists more
Fermentation for a More Nutritious and Sustainable Future
In the EU-funded Sustain-a-bite project, natural bioprocessing technologies like fermentation and seed bioactivation are being harnessed to address one of today’s major food challenges: making plant-based foods more nutritious, functional, and sustainable—without relying on chemicals or heavy processing. These techniques enable us to extract more value from whole plant ingredients while drastically reducing energy, water, and raw material use.The Challenge with Plant-Based IngredientsAs plant-based diets continue to grow in popularity, they face inherent challenges such as low digestibility, the presence of antinutritional factors, and deficiencies. However, many plant-based products on the market overlook these issues. Additionally, these products often result
Gentle Tech for Fresh Food: What Are PEF, HPP & Ultrasound Processing?
We’re all looking for food that’s safe, healthy, and as close to fresh as possible—without piling on preservatives or losing precious nutrients during processing. That’s where minimally processed food technologies come in. You may have heard terms like PEF, HPP, or ultrasound processing floating around, especially if you follow food innovation or sustainable production trends. But what do they actually mean—and why should you care? Let’s break them down in a simple and friendly way! PEF – Pulsed Electric FieldsPEF might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s actually a very real and very cool technology
Fighting Climate Change Through Sustainable Protein Innovation
As climate change accelerates, it’s clear that transforming our food systems is not just necessary—it’s urgent. A key area of opportunity lies in sustainable proteins, which offer powerful ways to reduce environmental impact while supporting global nutrition. Cooperation & stakeholder engagement At Sustain-a-bite, we’re addressing this transformation through the development of a stakeholder platform designed to foster co-creation, knowledge exchange, and innovation across the food value chain. By connecting actors from farm to fork, we aim to unlock practical solutions that drive the shift toward resilient, sustainable food systems—aligned with other EU-funded initiatives and stakeholders working toward the same goal.
Ultraprocessed vs. Minimally Processed Plant-Based Foods
In recent years, plant-based diets have gained traction worldwide, driven by concerns over health, sustainability, and ethical considerations. However, not all plant-based foods are created equal. The rise of ultraprocessed plant-based foods poses challenges to both human health and environmental sustainability, while minimally processed alternatives offer a more nutritious and eco-friendly path. The Sustain-a-bite project, a Horizon Europe-funded initiative, aims to enable the transition towards nutritious, minimally processed plant-based foods that promote both sustainability and health. Understanding Food Processing Food processing exists on a spectrum, from whole, unprocessed foods to heavily altered ultraprocessed products. Minimally Processed Foods: These include
Sustain-a-bite kicks off – New EU project brings healthier, minimally processed plant-based foods to Europe
The EU-funded Sustain-a-bite project is set to redefine plant-based eating with nutritious, minimally processed foods that propel health and sustainability, one bite at a time. Espoo, Finland, 25 November 2024 - Over the next three and a half years, Sustain-a-bite consortium will spearhead the development of new plant-based foods while improving accessibility and sustainability in European diets. With support from the EU's Horizon Europe programme, this collaborative effort seeks to create foods that satisfy both taste and health needs while lowering environmental impacts. The project is coordinated by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and the consortium includes 19
