Growing the Upcycled Food Economy

Building a food system where all food reaches its highest and best use.

Upcycled Food- It’s the Next Big Thing

Over 30% of all food produced globally is lost or goes to waste, and that's a big problem for society and the planet. Upcycled food prevents this problem by creating new, high-quality products from surplus food. 60% of people want to buy more upcycled food products, and that's because 95% of us want to do our part to reduce food waste.

Join us as we build the sustainable food system of the future.

Upcycled food is a way that anyone can prevent food waste via the products they buy. And it’s more important now than ever.

 

Upcycling prevents global warming


According to Project Drawdown, the global leader in ranking climate solutions, preventing food waste is the single most effective solution to prevent global warming of more than 2 degrees celsius.

A lot of food is going to waste


According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, roughly 30% of all food is wasted, about one billion tons, and one trillion dollars, per year.

Food waste creates emissions


According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, this waste accounts for approximately 6% of human-caused greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

 
 

Food waste contributes to landfills


According to the United States Department of Agriculture, food waste is the main contributor to solid waste landfills.

Consumers want to reduce waste


According to Mattson, 95% of consumers felt it was important to do their part to reduce food waste in their own lives.

 

2022 Impact Report- Accelerating the Upcycled Economy

2022 was a significant year for the Upcycled Food Association, Upcycled Food Foundation and the broader upcycling movement. The UFA membership grew 38% and the number of Upcycled CertifiedⓇ products and ingredients doubled. Together, we are firmly establishing upcycling as one of the most critical solutions in tackling the interconnected crises of food waste and climate change.

Read the Impact Report Here

Upcycled Food Association (UFA) is a nonprofit working to prevent food waste by accelerating the upcycled economy. UFA is a network of more than 250 businesses from around the world, collaborating to empower consumers to prevent food waste with the products they buy.