Abstract:Artificial neural network (ANN)is a flexible and powerful machine learning technique.It is a nonlinear system with strong processing power，which plays an important role in food processing.This review introduced the principles of artificial neural network techniques and summarized the research progress of artificial neural networks in food fields such as food microbiology，food fermentation， bio-sensors， food drying and spectrum data analysis.This review provided theoretical basis for the general researchers to understand the current research status and future research trends of artificial neural network technology in food applications，and its wider application in food industry.