Food upcycling is the process of creating new products or items by reusing otherwise discarded or unused food ingredients. Unlike traditional recycling, which repurposes materials at a similar value level, upcycling transforms these ingredients into new, higher-value products. This approach not only reduces food waste generated during production, distribution and consumption, but also maximizes the use of existing food resources, helping protect the environment and promote a sustainable food industry.

In South Korea, the market for upcycled food is expanding in parallel with the rapid growth of the food tech sector, with various upcycled products emerging from the industry. This trend is expected to gain further momentum as consumer awareness of environmental sustainability and value-driven consumption continues to grow. In 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs included upcycled food as one of the “10 Core Food Tech Innovations” that the ministry aims to promote. By 2026, a dedicated research and development support center focusing on food upcycling technology and commercialization will be established in Naju.

Upcycled food products can be broadly categorized into two main types based on the materials used: those made from food byproducts and those made from imperfect or “ugly” products with low marketability. Examples of products made from food byproducts include RE:HARVEST’s “RE:NERGY Powder” energy bars, which are made by reusing byproducts from beer brewing and Sikhye (traditional Korean rice drink) production, and Pulmuone’s “Earth Diet Tteokbokki,” which are made from tofu scraps and soy pulp. Upcycled products using imperfect products include Bumpy Factory’s “Bumpy Vegetable Pickles,” Korea Pear Agricultural Cooperative’s “Pear Juice,” and Samsung Welstory’s “B. YUMMY” healthy convenience foods, all of which use surplus or discarded agricultural products.

Although the upcycled food sector in South Korea is still in its infancy, it holds immense potential for innovative business models. Unlike the highly competitive traditional food industry, the upcycled food market offers a wealth of untapped opportunities. Companies can leverage unique ideas and cutting-edge technologies to gain a competitive edge in this emerging field. As environmental protection and sustainable development become global priorities, upcycled food will undoubtedly play a pivotal role. Both businesses and consumers must actively engage in and support this important initiative.