Trash into treasure

Brands are discovering creative ways to transform waste from food production into nutritious products. An example is Brooklyn, N.Y.-based CocoBurg, which has developed vegan jerky using the meat typically discarded in the manufacture of coconut water. Available in chili lime, original and ginger teriyaki varieties, CocoBurg coconut jerky is raw, vegan, paleo, gluten-free and soy-free.

“It’s been so exciting to see how much of a growing focus there is on reducing and eliminating food waste and how companies are finding innovative ways to upcycle ingredients,” Ms. Mast said.

“Eat beer. Fight food waste” is the tagline for ReGrained, a San Francisco-based brand of snack bars made using spent grains harvested from craft breweries. Varieties include Honey Almond IPA and Chocolate Coffee Stout.

Wize Monkey, Vancouver, produces tea using the leaves of coffee plants, helping coffee farmers in Nicaragua make a year-round living. Coffee leaves are rich in antioxidants and produce a subtle caffeine effect with a smooth and lightly sweet taste, according to the company.

“Consumers are becoming more conscious about the products they buy, not just based on price or taste or some of the nutritional benefits, but also looking to support brands that are supporting communities or the environment or working on addressing big challenges in innovative ways,” Ms. Mast said. “We’re seeing that continue to grow.”