What we talk about when we talk about “Novel” Foods

The European Biosolutions Coalition has published an explainer on Novel Foods, setting out what they are, how they are produced, and why they matter for Europe’s food security, sustainability, and competitiveness. The explainer clarifies that Novel Foods are best understood as fermentation‑based biosolutions, building on well‑established biotechnologies that have been used safely for decades across food, enzymes, and pharmaceuticals.

We explain how these biosolutions function as complementary proteins, supporting and strengthening Europe’s existing agricultural production rather than replacing it, while also reducing land use, emissions, and dependence on imported inputs. The explainer also highlights the broader economic and strategic relevance of Novel Foods, including their potential to drive green re‑industrialisation, create jobs across the value chain, and contribute to more resilient, future‑ready European food systems.