Special food products cater to the nutritional needs of individuals in specific working conditions and are essential for prompt responses to various emergencies， thereby playing a crucial role in safety preparedness， national stability， and public health. In recent years， the special food industry in our country has exhibited robust growth momentum， characterized by enhanced innovation capabilities and continuous expansion of industrial scale， gradually emerging as a new focal favored by consumers. This paper reviewed the developmental trajectory and features of special food domestically and internationally， discussed their significant role in safeguarding the nutritional health of people in unique working conditions and emergencies. Through a systematic literature review， the basic theory research and technological advancements in the current state of the special food industry were delineated. Finally， the paper summarized the challenges faced by the special food industry and provided insights into future development trends， aiming to offer guidance for research and industrial development in related fields in China.