During the so-called “second wave of the pandemic” in Europe, the authors conducted a cross-sectional online survey that aimed to examine changes in dietary habits and associated practices, as well as physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic and before the onset of lockdowns in three European countries: Poland, Austria and the United Kingdom. Methods: The online observational study, both prospective and retrospective, conducted with the use of social media for the distribution of an anonymous online questionnaire, was completed from 1 October to 30 October 2020, during the second wave of the pandemic in Europe. The study encompassed a total of 1071 adults from Poland (n = 407), Austria (n = 353) and the United Kingdom (n = 311). Results: The results of this study indicate that the COVID-19 confinement period influenced eating behavior and the level of physical activity in a group of adult residents of Poland, Austria and the United Kingdom. The general shopping frequency decreased, regardless of the place and manner. However, there was an increased interest in online grocery shopping. The resulting data revealed an increased frequency of the daily consumption of food products such as dairy, grains, fats, vegetables and sweets (p < 0.05). A rise in the frequency of purchasing frozen goods and food with long shelf life has also been observed. The changed workplace and working conditions or unemployment probably affected a perceptible rise in alcohol consumption (p = 0.02). In turn, physical activity levels markedly decreased, which reflected the body mass changes. Conclusion: The dietary habits in the studied countries have changed as a result of the pandemic situation. They contribute to the aggravation of the problem of excess body weight and its health consequences.

The increasing global population, projected to exceed 9.1 billion by 2050, presents a critical challenge for sustainable food production. Edible insects have emerged as a promising alternative protein source due to their high nutritional value, low environmental footprint, and efficient resource utilization. This review explores the opportunities and challenges of integrating edible insects into food systems. Benefits include their high protein content and quality, low greenhouse gas emissions, low-cost production, and ability to thrive on organic waste. Furthermore, edible insect cultivation requires significantly less land and water compared to traditional livestock. Edible insects are nutritionally rich, containing substantial amounts of essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and minerals. However, barriers to widespread adoption persist, such as cultural perceptions, regulatory hurdles, potential allergenicity, and biological and chemical contamination. Furthermore, standardizing rearing practices and ensuring food safety are critical for broader adoption. While edible insects represent a nutritious, low-cost food and feed, there are a lot of variables that have not been fully investigated. Only after further research, promising results, and solutions that are relatively easy to apply might edible insects be considered a sustainable food source. Considering the challenges that may arise by 2050, more intensive research is highly advised.

The increasing global population, projected to exceed 9,1 billion by 2050, presents a critical challenge in sustainable food production. Edible insects have emerged as a promising alternative protein source due to their high nutritional value, low environmental footprint and efficient resource utilization. This review explores the opportunities and challenges of integrating edible insects into food systems. Benefits include their high protein content and quality, low greenhouse gas emissions, low-cost production and ability to thrive on organic waste. Furthermore, edible insect cultivation requires significantly less land and water compared to traditional livestock. Edible insects are nutritionally rich, containing substantial amount of essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids and minerals. However, barriers to widespread adoption persist, such as cultural perceptions, regulatory hurdles, potential allergenicity, biological and chemical contamination. Furthermore, standardizing rearing practices and ensuring food safety are critical for broader adoption. While edible insects represent a nutritious, low-cost food and feed, there are a lot of variables that have not been fully investigated. Only after further research, promising results and relatively easy to apply solutions, edible insects might be considered a sustainable food source. Considering 2050 challenges more intensive research is highly advised.

This study analysed the effect of the type of production on the nutritional and health value of common carp muscle tissue, especially lipid-related indexes. The muscle tissue of common carps originating from three types of fish farms with different technological levels (i.e., intensive, low-intensive, and semiextensive) was studied. The type of production technology, especially the intensive breeding technique, has been shown to have a significant effect on dry weight, total protein, and total fat content in the common carp muscle tissue under study. The muscles of fish originating from these farms were characterised by the highest values of the mentioned indicators, which amounted to 24.6%, 18.74%, and 1.58%, respectively, for dry matter, protein content, and total fat content. The type of feed used in intensive, low-intensive, and semiextensive common carp breeding has been proven to have a highly significant effect on the fatty acid profile. As regards unsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids were dominant in all cases. The muscle tissue of fish cultured in farms with a semiextensive technological level was characterised by the highest content of unsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids was, in this case, the most favourable. Dietary indices of atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity (TI) were studied as well. In all analysed cases, the values of these indices were very favourable and several times lower than for other animal fats.

The high level of competition between food products on the market has encouraged the development of various types of functional foods. Consumer demands and requirements for both medicinal and healthy products has caused food manufacturers to widen their product offerings. The objective of this study was to present the legal status of functional food production and sales, as well as analyse the possibilities of developing customized foods, in particular, highly satiating foods. In this time of obesity epidemic, the use of specifically designed food products which suppress hunger and give the feeling of satiety could be an effective tool in preventing obesity and controlling body mass. There is an optimistic prognoses that this type of food will be introduced on the Polish market.

Proszek pozyskiwany z nasion karobowych, zwany inaczej mączką chleba świętojańskiego, ma szerokie zastosowanie przemysłowe. Spełnia funkcję zagęstnika, stabilizatora, w odpowiednich warunkach substancji żelującej oraz nośnika. Wielu konsumentów ocenia karob jako produkt, który ze względu na swój smak i aromat może niejednokrotnie stanowić substytut kakao. W klimacie śródziemnomorskim, gdzie występuje karob, mączka chleba świętojańskiego stanowi główny surowiec do produkcji słodyczy. Celem tej pracy było wskazanie możliwości wykorzystania karobu jako dodatku o działaniu prozdrowotnym i tym samym potencjalnym składniku funkcjonalnym w żywności (o znaczeniu innym niż technologiczne bądź sensoryczne).