Food bioactive compounds have a beneficial biological effect on human health, fending off cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative disease, among other noncommunicable diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Secondary metabolites like polyphenols, glucosinolates, carotenoids, vitamins, terpenoids, saponins, and fibers have been linked to these health benefits due to their antioxidant, antiatherogenic, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, and vasodilator properties. This review comprehensively illustrates the extraction of bioactive compounds in food formulations along plant wastes and provides insight into the efficient delivery systems for health‐promoting compounds. There is an insight into how to choose which bioactive to use, how to extract them in a bioavailable state, and how to include and deliver them. Grapes, garlic, sweet potato leaves, cactus pears, beetroot, amaranth, Picea abies bark waste, olive leaves, and black plum are discussed comprehensively in terms of extraction and health benefits. The novel and emerging technologies are discussed in detail, and a comprehensive review and comparison with conventional methods are presented. The significant health benefits associated with bioactive compounds are also discussed.

Seaweed-based films have emerged as a promising solution for sustainable food packaging due to their renewable sourcing, biodegradability, and functional properties. This review provides an in-depth analysis of seaweed-based films, focusing on their properties, incorporation of essential oils, applications in food packaging, and future directions. The advantages of seaweed-based films include their renewable and abundant source, biodegradability, and favorable barrier properties. The review explores the physical and mechanical properties, barrier properties, and safety considerations of seaweed-based films. Additionally, it discusses the incorporation of essential oils into seaweed-based films and their potential benefits. Current and potential applications of seaweed-based films in food packaging, ranging from fresh produce to dairy products, are examined, along with the advantages and challenges associated with their use. A comparison with other sustainable packaging options is provided. Furthermore, the review highlights future research directions in developing seaweed-based films, such as improving mechanical properties, extending shelf life, scaling up production, reducing costs, and innovation in formulation. Overall, seaweed-based films offer a promising and sustainable alternative for food packaging, with ongoing research and development driving their advancement and potential for a more environmentally friendly packaging industry.