Sustainable Urban Food Systems: Pathways to the Future

Dear Colleagues,

Rapid urbanization and changing dietary habits have intensified demand for sustainable, nutritious, and resource-efficient foods. Urban food systems face major challenges related to food security, environmental sustainability, and the generation of large amounts of food waste. In this context, developing innovative food products and reformulated recipes that valorize by-products and alternative raw materials from other industries represents a promising strategy for reducing waste, enhancing nutritional quality, and supporting circular bioeconomy principles. The integration of sustainable technologies and responsible consumption patterns is essential for shaping healthier and more resilient urban diets.

This Special Issue, titled “Sustainable Urban Food Systems: Pathways to the Future”, will gather cutting-edge research focused on developing sustainable food products, optimizing nutritional quality, and improving resource efficiency across the urban food chain. This Special Issue aligns closely with the journal’s mission to promote scientific solutions for environmental sustainability, public health, and food innovation. It will bridge food science, nutrition, and sustainability research to provide practical, evidence-based strategies for the transition toward more circular and climate-resilient food systems.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Reformulated food products using upcycled or alternative ingredients;
• Innovative and sustainable food processing technologies;
• Nutritional optimization and functional enhancement of food formulations;
• Urban dietary patterns and consumer acceptance of sustainable foods;
• Reduction and valorization of food waste and by-products;
• Environmental and life-cycle assessment of sustainable food production.

We look forward to receiving your contributions, which will advance knowledge and innovation in the field of sustainable urban food systems.

Prof. Dr. Elena Pogurschi
Dr. Marius Ciobanu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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