Every year, the global food industry produces a significant number of wastes and by-products from a variety of sources. By-products from the food-processing sector are produced in large quantities, and because of their undesirable qualities, they are frequently wasted, losing important resources. In order to pursue a circular economy that refers to waste reduction and effective waste management, by-products valorization recently received increased interest. By-products are rich in bioactive compounds and can be used in various industrial applications for health promotion and nutritional benefits. A novel step in its sustainable application is the use of these inexpensive waste agri-food by-products to create the value-added products. The present review intended to summarize the different types of agro-industrial by-products and their properties and highlight their nutritional composition and potential health benefits. Applications of agri-food by-products in foods as well as the potential health and sustainability implications of by-products in food products were also covered. According to research, agri-food by-products can be added to a variety of food to increase their bioactive profile, fiber content, and antioxidant capacity while maintaining good sensory acceptability. Overall, the sustainability of the agri-food chain and consumer health can both benefit from the use of agri-food by-products in food formulation.

This study explores the nutritional benefits and health implications of omega-3- and omega-6-enriched eggs, positioning them within the context of functional foods aimed at improving public health outcomes. With rising consumer interest in nutritionally fortified foods, omega-enriched eggs have emerged as a viable source of essential fatty acids, offering potential benefits for cardiovascular health, inflammation reduction, and cognitive function. This research examines enrichment techniques, particularly dietary modifications for laying hens, such as the inclusion of flaxseed and algae, to enhance omega-3 content and balance the omega-6-to-omega-3 ratio in eggs. The findings indicate that enriched eggs provide significantly higher levels of essential fatty acids and bioactive compounds than conventional eggs, aligning with dietary needs in populations with limited access to traditional omega-3 sources like fish. This study further addresses consumer perception challenges, regulatory constraints, and environmental considerations related to sustainable production practices. The conclusions underscore the value of omega-enriched eggs as a functional food that aligns with health-conscious dietary trends and recommend ongoing research to refine enrichment methods and expand market accessibility.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a vegetable widely cultivated and consumed due to its rich content in bioactive compounds. Red onion peel (ROP) powder, which is a by-product derived from the onion industry, has been attracting significant interest as a potential functional ingredient for improving the overall quality of foods. The present study explores the potential of ROP powder as a functional ingredient to improve the quality and nutritional value of whey cheese. Despite being frequently viewed as a food processing waste byproduct, ROP is a rich source of bioactive substances, including antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber, having antioxidant and antibacterial effects. The ROP extract exhibited high amounts of total polyphenols (119.69 ± 2.71 mg GAE/g dw) and antioxidant activity (82.35 ± 1.05%). Different quantities (1 and 3%) of ROP powder were added to cheese formulations, and the subsequent impact on the texture characteristics, sensory attributes, and phytochemical composition of the value-added cheeses was evaluated. The findings show that the addition of ROP powder improved the texture and the color of the cheeses, providing a visually appealing product. Additionally, adding the ROP powder significantly raised the amount of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity (17.08 ± 0.78 µmol TE/g dw for RCROP1, 24.55 ± 0.67 µmol TE/g dw for RCROP2) in the final product’s formulation. Moreover, adding powder to cheese is an effective way to increase the value of onion by-products and produce polyphenol-enriched cheese.

After being harvested, fresh apples and apricots have a high moisture content and are put through a drying process to reduce waste and lengthen shelf life. This study intends to evaluate the physicochemical parameters during moisture removal and product heating in order to conduct an experimental investigation of the convective drying of apples and apricots in a pilot drying installation. The drying agent’s temperature and/or speed can be adjusted using the pilot installation. About the raw materials: the apricots (Neptun variety) were dried and cut into halves, while the apples (Golden Delicious variety) were dried and cut into 4 mm thick slices. The fruits’ drying properties were observed at 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, and 80 °C, air speeds of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 m/s, and relative air humidity levels of 40–45%. Findings of the ascorbic acid content, color, heating, and dimensional fluctuations are provided and examined. Increased air velocity and temperature had the expected effect of increasing water loss, solid gain, and shrinking. Depending on the drying conditions, different color characteristics were applied.

The world-wide-dispersed Rhododendron is a tiny, evergreen plant with vivid red or pale pink blossoms that is a member of the Ericaceae family and is well-known for its stunning flowers. To improve yogurt’s nutritional profile and sensory qualities, this study investigates an innovative application of Rhododendron flower powder (RFP). The potential health benefits of Rhododendron flowers, which are a rich source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and antioxidants, have attracted attention. Consequently, the physicochemical, phytochemical, and sensory qualities of fortifying yogurt with RFP at various concentrations were studied. The results showed that the texture and color of the yogurt were highly influenced by the addition of RFP. The addition of this functional ingredient also resulted in a significant increase in the yogurt’s polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity. These findings demonstrate the suitability of RFP in yogurt formulations as a functional food ingredient, being a good source of phenolics.

In response to consumer demand for more sustainable and health-conscious products, the food sector is increasingly shifting towards the use of natural additives. Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana L.) is a medicinal plant that contains valuable biologically active compounds, including betacyanins, which serve as its red pigments, along with phenolic acids, flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds, and others. Phytolacca americana (P. americana) is a plant renowned for its bioactive compounds, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial properties. This study investigates the potential of betalain pigments extracted from the berries of P. americana as a natural colorant for cheese formulation. The impact of these pigments on the color attributes, sensory qualities, and physicochemical and phytochemical composition of the cheeses was systematically evaluated. The Phytolacca americana (PA) powder demonstrated significant levels of total polyphenols (111.95 ± 1.60 mg GAE/g dw) and antioxidant activity (21.67 ± 0.19 µmol TE/g dw). The incorporation of PA powder increased the physicochemical and phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity in the final product (4.40 ± 0.22 µmol TE/g dw for CPAP1 and 6.11 ± 0.22 µmol TE/g dw for CPAP2). The sensory study revealed that the PA-supplemented cheeses were acceptable. The enhanced cheeses present a distinctive color profile, attracting health-conscious consumers looking for innovative dairy products. The study concludes that PA powder can effectively enhance cheese, producing a phytochemical-enriched product that appeals to health-conscious consumers.