Upcycled Food Research

Research is key in understanding the environmental impact, market, consumer perceptions, technical opportunities and overall potential of upcycled food. We want to ensure that UFA Members have access to the latest upcycled food research.

Click below to find our collection of research papers, summaries, and webinars.

Upcycled Food Research

2025 UFF Global Scientific Research Symposium

On June 10-11, 2025 we gathered for the first ever global scientific convening on upcycled food innovation! It was an engaging symposium with international speakers and participants hosted by Dr. Lara Ramdin: an inspiring and informative two days of virtual learning. Watch presentations and learn more about our 22 speakers here.

Click here to find out more about UFF's Global Scientific Research Community and join us for Symposium II September 2025.

Watch the 2025 Global Symposium

2023 UFF Research Fellowship Program

Eight fellows were selected to conduct research that reflects a question of interest to the upcycled food community including consumer awareness and perception of upcycled products, novel ingredient development, and impact measurement. Findings were shared in a June 2024 webinar.

The Fellows selected to participate in the 2nd cohort represent diverse research backgrounds and are spread out across the world. During their fellowship, researchers will conduct research on topics of importance to upcycled food and receive both financial support from UFF and connections to the membership network of upcycled food companies.

We congratulate and thank the new cohort for their participation and contributions. 

Meet the 2023 Kerry Upcycled Food Foundation Fellowship Cohort

June 2024 Upcycled Food Foundation: Research Fellow Lightning Symposium 

2021-22 UFF Research Fellowship Program

In June 2021, with the generous support of the Deutsch Family Foundation, we launched our first-ever Upcycled Food Foundation (UFF) Research Fellowship Program with the goal of supporting more research in the upcycled food industry. The five Fellows selected to participate in this inaugural cohort represent diverse research backgrounds and are spread out across the world. During their fellowship, researchers will be asked to conduct research on topics of importance to upcycled food and will receive both financial support from UFF and connections to the membership network of upcycled food companies.

Previous Study Topics

• Consumer awareness of upcycled food in the US and China
• Consumer perceptions of upcycled food
• Qualitative research on grocery category manager’s perceptions of upcycled products
• An upcycled food business case study and supply chain challenges
• Market Viability for upcycled pet food

Research Highlights from the 2021-22 cohort of fellows is reserved for Members of UFA only. Members may log in to view this exclusive information here!

Meet the UFF 2021 Research Fellow Cohort