Drivers of misshapen fruit and vegetable waste and reduction solutions: A bibliometric analysis and a rapid review

Abstract

The valorization of misshapen fruits and vegetables (FV) offers a promising approach to tackling food waste by addressing deeply ingrained aesthetic preferences that influence consumer behavior. Embracing these imperfect yet nutritious products reduces food waste and also challenges the societal standards of beauty in produce, encouraging a broader shift toward sustainability and inclusivity in food consumption. This study aims to support the reduction of FV waste and valorization of misshapen FV by fulfilling two objectives: 1) To map and visualize the key research themes, trends, and relationships within the literature on consumer behavior toward misshapen FV, particularly in the context of food waste; 2) To identify the main drivers of misshapen FV waste and solutions to reduce their waste. Eighty-seven relevant papers (from Web of Science, timespan 1990–2024) were found and analyzed to meet the two objectives, following the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods recommendations and minimum standards for rapid reviews. The VOSviewer analysis was conducted for the first objective. It created a keyword network based on abstracts and revealed the central role of consumer awareness and visual biases in shaping purchasing decisions. For the second objective, a rapid review of the full texts was performed and it revealed drivers such as negative perceptions, disgust, and advertising of perfectly shaped products. The study suggests that by integrating sustainability goals with consumer behavior through focused education, marketing, and policies, there is substantial potential to minimize food waste and foster more sustainable consumption habits.

Keywords

• Abnormal shape
• causes
• food waste
• mapping
• network visualization
• suboptimal food