Cereal brans: Transforming upcycled ingredients for sustainable food solutions aligned with SDGs

Abstract

Background

The food industry's sustainability and global development activities are crucial in addressing issues including hunger, health, responsible consumption, and climate change. Cereal brans, an often-overlooked byproduct, have the ability to greatly contribute to these objectives. This study investigates how cereal brans relate to important United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action).

Scope and approach

The review explores into the rich nutritional profile of cereal brans, highlighting their significant dietary fiber, protein, B vitamin, and mineral content. It examines the role of cereal brans in enhancing the quality of food products, focusing on how they contribute to achieving the aforementioned SDGs. The review also discusses the challenges in incorporating cereal brans into food production and suggests innovative solutions.

Key findings and conclusions

Cereal brans present a prospective avenue for achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in terms of food system efficiency and nutritional quality. Their rich nutritional profile, which includes high levels of dietary fiber, protein, B vitamins, and minerals, makes them useful for improving food quality. One important result is that cereal brans have considerable antioxidant properties, which can improve overall well-being and health. Furthermore, adding cereal brans into food products might aid in waste reduction and promote responsible consumption habits. The review emphasizes the need of using environmentally friendly production methods by using cereal brans into a variety of food products. This strategy is consistent with the concepts of responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and helps to ensure a sustainable and health-conscious global future. In conclusion, this review advocates for a paradigm shift towards the responsible utilization of cereal brans, highlighting their potential to bridge the gap between sustainable development and a health-conscious.