Special Issues

Foods publishes Special Issues to create collections of papers on specific topics, with the aim of building a community of authors and readers to discuss the latest research and develop new ideas and research directions. Special Issues are led by Guest Editors, who are experts on the topic and all Special Issue submissions follow MDPI's standard editorial process. The journal’s Editor-in-Chief and/or designated Editorial Board Member will oversee Guest Editor appointments and Special Issue proposals, checking their content for relevance and ensuring the suitability of the material for the journal. The papers published in a Special Issue will be collected and displayed on a dedicated page of the journal’s website. Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies and Guest Editor responsibilities can be found here. For any inquiries related to a Special Issue, please contact the Editorial Office.

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Residues and Contaminants in Foodstuffs: Extraction, Analytical and Advanced Detection Methods submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 99 | Submission Open
Keywords: food safety; sample preparation; mass spectrometry techniques; chromatographic analysis
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
Effect of Fermentation on Food Bioactive Compound Levels and Antioxidant Capacity submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 95 | Submission Open
Keywords: phenolic compounds; carotenoids; oxidative stress; fermented beverages; microbiota; starter culture; functional foods
(This special issue belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)
Food Safety and Quality in Aquaculture and Fisheries Products
edited by and Elena Bozzetta
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 94 | Submission Open
Keywords: aquaculture; fisheries; seafood quality; chemical contaminants; microbial hazards; antibiotic residues; risk assessment; traceability; sustainable seafood production
(This special issue belongs to the Section Foods of Marine Origin)
Statistical Modelling and Process Optimization in Foods: Design, Analysis and Assessment submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 93 | Submission Open
Keywords: statistical modelling; process optimization; response surface methodology (RSM); experimental design (DoE); predictive analytics; food safety; machine learning (in food science); sustainable food processing; food preservation; food supply chain
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Engineering and Technology)
New Advances in the Application of Cold Plasma Technology in Food Processing submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 88 | Submission Open
Keywords: cold plasma technology; microbial inactivation; the extraction of bioactive compounds; the texturization of food proteins to develop innovative matrices; the functionalization of food-contact materials; antimicrobial properties; the inactivation of harmful foodborne toxins; effects of cold plasma on food quality
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Engineering and Technology)
Meat Quality Evaluation and Postmortem Muscle Metabolism: Multidimensional Technologies and Regulatory Mechanisms
edited by , Teng Hui and
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 80 | Submission Open
Keywords: meat quality evaluation; postmortem muscle metabolism; glycolysis; calpain; reactive oxygen species; rapid detection technology; texture analysis; metabolic pathways
(This special issue belongs to the Section Meat)
Insights into Mechanisms of Food Transformation: Implications for Quality, Safety, and Shelf Life submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 78 | Submission Open
Keywords: molecular interactions; predictive modeling; emerging technologies; structural dynamics; smart packaging
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
Control and Intervention Strategies to Reduce Foodborne Microbial Pathogens in Food submission deadline 1 Apr 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 9139 | Submission Open
Keywords: foodborne pathogens; quality control; food hazards; food safety; antimicrobial technologies
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Microbiology)
Effects of Processing on Protein Structure, Physicochemical Properties, and Function
edited by Lifen Zhang, and
submission deadline 3 Apr 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 564 | Submission Open
Keywords: protein; peptide; protein processing; protein structure; physicochemical properties; functional properties; conformation; aggregation and disaggregation; allergenicity
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Engineering and Technology)
Food with Extended Shelf Life Featuring Ingredients Derived from Fruits, Vegetables, and Wild Edible Plants: Nutritional, Functional, and Sensory Properties submission deadline 4 Apr 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 12214 | Submission Open
Keywords: food ingredients; food additives; fruits; vegetables; wild edible plants; nutritional properties; functional properties; sensory properties; shelf life; health benefits
(This special issue belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)
Application of Spectroscopic Technology Coupled with Chemometrics in Food Analysis
edited by Elísabet Martín-Tornero and
submission deadline 5 Apr 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 23099 | Submission Open
Keywords: foods; spectroscopy; fluorescence spectroscopy; NIRS; FTIR; raman spectroscopy; chemometrics; multivariate analysis
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Analytical Methods)
Post-Harvest and Processing Methods to Retain Agri-Food Quality and Nutritional Value submission deadline 5 Apr 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 7508 | Submission Open
Keywords: post-harvest handling; nutritional quality preservation; shelf-life extension; sustainable agri-food systems; food processing technologies
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
Exploration of Milk and Dairy Products: Sensory, Physicochemical Characteristics and Processing Technologies submission deadline 5 Apr 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 4981 | Submission Open
Keywords: dairy product and process innovation; high-quality dairy products; nutritional improvements; sustainability; food safety; sensory characteristics; cheese and milk improvements; dairy waste circular economy; by-product valorization
(This special issue belongs to the Section Dairy)
Food-Derived Bioactive Peptides: Correlation Between Structure and Functional Properties submission deadline 5 Apr 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 2817 | Submission Open
Keywords: bioactive peptides; peptide novel sources; bioprospection; human health; nutraceutical; food processing; gastrointestinal digestion; bioactivities  ; human nutrition; in silico analysis
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Nutrition)
Chemical Contaminants in Food: Toxicology, Risk Assessment, and Safety Strategies
edited by , and Marija Sedak
submission deadline 5 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 54 | Submission Open
Keywords: food contaminants; pesticides; polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); brominated flame retardants; heavy metals; monitoring; risk assessment; food safety
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Toxicology)
Quality Control and Chemical Analysis for Pesticide Residues, Mycotoxins, and Other Contaminant Components in Agri-Food submission deadline 8 Apr 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 8198 | Submission Open
Keywords: agri-food products and by-products; quality control; chemical analysis; food safety; analytical methods; analysis systems; organic contaminants; pesticide residues; mycotoxins
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
Functional and Sustainable Foods from Marine Resources
edited by
submission deadline 9 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 337 | Submission Open
Keywords: marine bioactives; algae-derived ingredients; marine peptides; omega-3 fatty acids; marine polysaccharides; blue bioeconomy; functional foods; sustainable aquaculture; marine by-product valorization; nutraceuticals from the sea
(This special issue belongs to the Section Foods of Marine Origin)
Cereal and Cereal Products: Processing, Storage, Conservation, Safety, Sensory and Nutrition Properties
edited by Ernandes Rodrigues de Alencar, and
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | 6 articles | Viewed by 16516 | Submission Open
Keywords: corn; wheat; rice; sorghum; grain preservation; innovative conservation methods; food packaging; sensory evaluation; fortification of cereal products
(This special issue belongs to the Section Grain)
Mechanism and Engineering Research on Processing, Storage and Preservation of Fresh Food: 2nd Edition submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 7906 | Submission Open
Keywords: fresh food; processing and storage; preservation; fresh food supply chain and packaging; transportation; functionality; safety; freshness
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Packaging and Preservation)
Physicochemical Characteristics of Food Polysaccharides, Starches, and Gels
edited by Xi Yang and
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 7193 | Submission Open
Keywords: polysaccharides; starch; gels; physicochemical properties; gelation; emulsification; food products; interactions; texture
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Physics and (Bio)Chemistry)
Emerging Biosensor Technology for the Detection of Environmental Toxins in Foods
edited by and Wenjie Ren
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 6978 | Submission Open
Keywords: biosensors; environmental toxins; electrochemical sensors; optical sensors; pesticide detection; heavy metal detection; mycotoxin detection; portable sensing platforms
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Toxicology)
Detecting the Quality and Geographic Origin of Agri-Food Products by Using Spectroscopic Methods
edited by
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 5266 | Submission Open
Keywords: agri-food products; spectroscopies; quality; geographical origin; chemometrics
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
Plant Bioactive Compounds and Its Potential as a Functional Food Ingredient
edited by
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 5263 | Submission Open
Keywords: plant bioactive compounds; functional food; polyphenols; terpenoids; carotenoids; omega-3 fatty acids; metabolism; health-promoting property; anti-aging; anti-inflammatory effect
(This special issue belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)
Protein Hydrolysates: Structure, Functions and Their Application in Food
edited by , and Judith Esmeralda Urías-Silvas
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 3720 | Submission Open
Keywords: food proteins; peptides; protein hydrolysates; food ingredients; food formulation; physicochemical interactions; techno-functional properties
(This special issue belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)
Sensory Detection and Analysis in Food Industry
edited by and
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 2354 | Submission Open
Keywords: sensory evaluation; flavour chemistry and flavoromics; fermentation microbiome; enzyme engineering and biocatalysis; chemometrics and machine learning; instrumental analysis; sensory evaluation; flavour– health interaction; consumer research; food quality control
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Analytical Methods)
Emerging Technologies for Food Polymers and Colloids: Exploring Their Application in Food Packaging, Novel Foods, and the Delivery of Nutraceuticals
edited by , Simin Feng and
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 2348 | Submission Open
Keywords: polysaccharides; proteins; applications; food packaging; novel foods; delivery systems
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Physics and (Bio)Chemistry)
Advances in Biological Activities of Functional Food (3rd Edition) submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 1946 | Submission Open
Keywords: bioactive compounds; post-digestion bioactivity; bioactive compounds bioavailability; disease prevention; health benefits; bioactivities; cell proteomic effect; cell metabolomic effect
(This special issue belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)
Harmful Toxins and Chemicals in Processed Foods and Related Products: Occurrence, Formation, Detection, Assessment, Prevention and Control Strategies
edited by and
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 736 | Submission Open
Keywords: foodborne contamination; harmful toxins and chemicals; emerging risk factors; pollution levels and formation mechanisms; toxic effects and risk assessments; biosensors; detection methods; detoxification strategies; contamination control
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
Bioactive Protein Hydrolysates: Preparation, Characterization, and Functional Properties
edited by Zhiyang Du, and
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 601 | Submission Open
Keywords: protein hydrolysates; bioactive peptides; structural characterization; enzymatic hydrolysis; self-assembly; functional properties; antioxidant activity; nutraceutical applications
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Physics and (Bio)Chemistry)
Novel Drying Technologies in Food Processing: Maximizing Food Quality and Safety Preservation submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 433 | Submission Open
Keywords: innovative drying technologies; process optimization; food quality; smart monitoring; energy efficiency; microbial safety; energy efficiency
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Engineering and Technology)
Advanced Separation Techniques for Food Safety and Functional Component Analysis
edited by and
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 213 | Submission Open
Keywords: innovative food safety solutions; next-generation separation techs; precision analysis of bioactive compounds; smart detection of food contaminants; functional food component profiling; high-resolution chromatographic techniques; advanced analytical methodologies; real-time food quality monitoring; green and sustainable extraction methods; integrated lab-on-a-chip applications
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Analytical Methods)
Microbiological Origin of Substances in Clean-Label Food Design
edited by
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 190 | Submission Open
Keywords: microbiological origin of substances; clean label; shelf life; food safety; microorganisms
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Microbiology)
Advances in the Innovative Development and Quality Improvement for Bakery Products
edited by and
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 173 | Submission Open
Keywords: bakery products  ; quality improvement  ; sensory evaluation  ; functional properties  ; dough  ; batter  ; biopolymers  ; rheology  ; microstructure
(This special issue belongs to the Section Grain)
Edible Mushroom: Processing, Nutritional Properties and Potential Risks
edited by and
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 154 | Submission Open
Keywords: edible mushrooms; mushroom processing; functional ingredients; β -glucans; ergothioneine; mycoprotein; mycotoxins; food safety; functional foods; sustainable valorisation
Innovative Food Processing Influence on Food Quality Attributes, Antioxidant Activity, and Safety submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 94 | Submission Open
Keywords: processing optimization; thermal and non-thermal methods; nutritional value; organoleptic properties; rheology and texture; volatile compounds profile; storage studies; shelf life; polyphenolic compounds; consumerism; socio-economic impacts; sustainable food production
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Compounds in Foods and Their Impact on Human Health
edited by and Jahurul Haque Akanda
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 90 | Submission Open
Keywords: nutritional composition; bioactive compounds; functional foods; antioxidant activity; anti-inflammatory effects; disease prevention; human health benefits
(This special issue belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)
Sustainable Food Packaging and Its Impact on Shelf Life and Safety of Agrifoods
edited by and Ornella Incerti
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 88 | Submission Open
Keywords: food packaging; agrifood spoilage; shelf life; mycotoxins; active substances; sustainable materials; food quality; postharvest; alternative films; edible coatings
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Packaging and Preservation)
Food-Derived Polysaccharides: Composition, Characterization and Functional Properties
edited by Xiaoqi Xu and Zheng Xu
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 86 | Submission Open
Keywords: polysaccharides; structural characterization; structure– activity relationship; physicochemical properties; bioactivities; polysaccharide modification; polysaccharide applications in the food industry; nutrition
(This special issue belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)
Bioactive Components from Agro-Food By-Products and Their Potential Health Benefits
edited by and
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 82 | Submission Open
Keywords: agro-food by-products; dietary polyphenols; dietary polysaccharides; health benefits; sustainable food system; functional food application
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Nutrition)
Lactic Acid Bacteria in Functional Foods: Health Effects, Current Applications, and Future Trends submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 79 | Submission Open
Keywords: lactic acid bacteria; functional food; fermentation; bioactive metabolites; probiotics; topical formulation
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Microbiology)
Application of Gas and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Technologies in Food Analysis submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 73 | Submission Open
Keywords: metabolome; volatome; gas and liquid chromatography; mass spectrometry; food and related matrices; bioactive compounds of foods and related matrices; food spoilage/shelf life; food quality; microbial contamination
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Analytical Methods)
Functional Ingredients in Foods: Physicochemical Properties, Delivery System and Health Benefits submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 71 | Submission Open
Keywords: functional foods; bioactive compounds; physicochemical properties; delivery systems; bioavailability; bio-accessibility; health benefits
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Physics and (Bio)Chemistry)
Insect Ingredients and Green Technologies: Innovations for Sustainable Food Systems submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 67 | Submission Open
Keywords: edible insects; sustainable food system; green extraction; insect-derived ingredients; insect lipids; insect chitin; insect proteins; future food; novel food
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Systems)
From Waste to Health and Wealth: Innovations in Food Waste Valorisation
edited by
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 57 | Submission Open
Keywords: valorisation; food waste; product development; biofuel; bioenergy; nutrient-rich soils; extraction of bioactive compounds; by-products; waste management
(This special issue belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)
Challenges and Opportunities in the Dairy and Non-Dairy Probiotic Product
edited by Cheol-Hyun Kim
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 56 | Submission Open
Keywords: dairy product; whey protein; probiotic; fermentation; lactic acid bacteria
(This special issue belongs to the Section Dairy)
Chemical Characterization and Functional Studies of Enzymes from Food
edited by
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 50 | Submission Open
Keywords: food enzymes; functional characterization; protein engineering; biocatalysis
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Biotechnology)
Advances in Technologies for Improving Foods' Nutrition and Functional Properties
edited by
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 48 | Submission Open
Keywords: functional foods; food quality; nutrional properties; functional properties; alternative food ingredients; consumer acceptance and preference; sustainability; safety; 3D food printing; green technology
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
Fermented Foods and Health Modulation
edited by
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 17 | Submission Open
Keywords: fermented foods; health modulation; gut microbiome; bioactive components; bioactive peptides; short-chain fatty acids; probiotics; chronic diseases; type 2 diabetes; cardiovascular disease; obesity; intestinal disorders; inflammatory bowel disease; irritable bowel syndrome; hyperuricemia; gout; neurological conditions; anxiety; depression; dermatological issues; atopic dermatitis; oral health; immune-related disorders; gastrointestinal barrier integrity
(This special issue belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)
Innovative Applications of Edible Insects in Food Systems submission deadline 13 Apr 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 4201 | Submission Open
Keywords: edible insects; bioactive compounds; novel foods; sustainable production systems; regulatory frameworks
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Systems)
Biopolymers-Based Materials: Potential Use as Antimicrobial Active Packaging for Food Applications
edited by Yongkai Yuan and
submission deadline 13 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 51 | Submission Open
Keywords: biopolymer; packaging; antimicrobial
(This special issue belongs to the Section Food Packaging and Preservation)
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