Novel foods, neglected and alien species to increase food biodiversity of diets in Europe

Abstract

Food biodiversity of diets (FBD) is an emerging topic, not widely studied in Europe. In the last years, different factors such as climate change, agriculture intensification, urbanization and wars have led to homogeneous food demand and thus food systems. Increased FBD could be beneficial both for human and planetary health. The objective of this narrative review is to seek solutions for the increase of FBD in Europe with the introduction of new or neglected food sources, specifically novel foods (NF), neglected and underutilized species (NUS) and invasive alien species (IAS) considering the risks and barriers. The identification, cultivation and consumption of NUS is crucial for sustainable local food systems, economy and nature biodiversity. The consumption of IAS may lead to agriculture deintensification and limitation of their spread in non-native regions. The adoption of NF consumption holds significant potential for promoting sustainability, enhancing FBD and addressing global food security concerns. Alternative solutions such as the inclusion of these diverse food sources in human diets could result in the enhancement of FBD. Governments, industries, researchers and the public need to harmonically collaborate to achieve this transition through innovative strategies to ensure accessibility, availability and knowledge of use of these food products.