Joachim Matondo, Bernard Chove
Plant-derived phytochemicals are vital bioactive compounds whose integrity is compromised by conventional thermal food processing. This review synthesizes advances in novel non-thermal technologies including high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, cold plasma, and ultrasound-assisted extraction which inactivate pathogens while markedly enhancing the retention of heat-labile antioxidants, vitamins, and pigments. Subsequent advanced drying strategies, such as spray, freeze, refractance window, and foam-mat drying minimize thermal degradation during dehydration. Furthermore, smart packaging solutions like modified atmospheres and oxygen scavengers engineer stable microenvironments to prolong phytochemical shelf life. The review’s unique contribution is its integrated cross-comparative analysis of these disparate technologies within a unified framework, quantitatively evaluating phytochemical retention gains while critically assessing optimization parameters and industrial feasibility. Despite demonstrated efficacy, significant challenges including high capital costs, scalability issues, and evolving regulations hinder widespread adoption. Overcoming these barriers through hybrid approaches and standardized protocols is essential for translating these technologies into mainstream practice, ultimately enabling the delivery of nutrient-dense, plant-based foods with superior health benefits.