Basic electrolyzed water is prepared by electrolyzing dilute salt solution， which is widely used in the research of food field with the advantages of green safety， broad-spectrum sterilization， efficient preservation and low price. BEW possesses high pH and reduction potential， and strong penetration， which makes it show great application potential in the fields of food sterilization， processing， preservation and extraction. This paper reviews the application and research progress of BEW in food in recent years， and focuses on the latest progress of the application of BEW in food safety control， food preservation application and food active substance extraction， in order to provide theoretical guidance and methodological reference for the efficient utilization and further research of BEW in the field of food.