Forest and tree-based foods hold significant, yet underexplored, potential to contribute to food security, improved nutrition, and the development of sustainable diets. These foods offer a diverse and affordable source of essential micronutrients, dietary fiber, and other vital components frequently missing in conventional diets—particularly for communities with limited livelihood options. Despite this promise, their full integration into national nutrition and food systems remains constrained by several challenges. Major barriers include gaps in scientific and local knowledge, unclear land tenure and access rights, concerns over the sustainability of harvesting practices, and the influence of shifting socio-cultural norms that shape dietary behaviors. Addressing these issues requires targeted research to better understand the ecological, economic, and cultural dynamics surrounding forest food systems. Furthermore, stronger policy frameworks are essential to support the inclusion of forest foods in national strategies aimed at improving nutrition and promoting food security. This includes integrating data and awareness about nutritious forest and tree foods into existing health and nutrition programs. Establishing cross-sectoral platforms that unite stakeholders from agriculture, environment, health, development, conservation, and land-use planning can foster more holistic, collaborative approaches. Such coordination would not only enhance policy coherence but also ensure the sustainable use and equitable distribution of forest resources. Harnessing the benefits of forest foods is a crucial step toward building resilient food systems and achieving long-term sustainability goals.