Upcycling: The Future of Sustainable Food Manufacturing

At Swagger Foods, we believe in bold flavor and bold responsibility. As a small, family-owned seasoning company, we’re proud of the love and care we pour into each blend. But we also know our work doesn’t stop at taste. From packaging to sourcing, every choice we make could help shape a more sustainable food system.

As consumers demand more from the brands they support, “sustainability” is no longer just a buzzword, it’s a baseline. One of the most exciting trends gaining traction in our industry is upcycling: transforming food byproducts that would otherwise be discarded into new, high-value ingredients.

Think spent coffee grounds turned into nutrient-rich baking flour, or fruit pulp reborn as natural sweeteners. Companies like Renewal Mill and ReGrained are already proving that upcycling isn’t just environmentally smart, it’s economically savvy.

“Food waste isn’t just an environmental problem; it’s a business opportunity waiting to be realized.”

— Dr. Andrew Shakman, CEO of LeanPath

Another area where small businesses can make a big impact is packaging. Single-use plastics are still the norm in the spice industry, but alternatives are growing every day from compostable pouches to glass jars with refillable options.

The good news? Consumers are on board. A recent McKinsey report found that more than 60% of consumers would be willing to pay more for sustainable packaging. That tells us two things: people are paying attention, and they’re ready to support better business practices.

At the end of the day, sustainability isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being intentional. Let’s season boldly, think sustainably, and swagger into a future we’re proud of.