<p>The food industry is experiencing a profound technological transformation fueled by the convergence of automation, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the framework of Industry 5.0. At the core of this evolution are cyber-physical systems (CPS) and digital twins (DT), which enable real-time monitoring, adaptive control, and predictive analytics across food processing, packaging, and distribution. CPS brings together smart sensors, edge devices, and robotic platforms to form interconnected ecosystems that not only drive operational efficiency but also strengthen traceability, safety, and sustainability. Complementing this, digital twins serve as dynamic virtual counterparts of physical assets, enabling simulation-based decision-making, risk evaluation, and life-cycle optimization, all of which support proactive quality management. The integration of AI-driven algorithms enhances these architectures with advanced defect detection, predictive maintenance, and intelligent quality control, ensuring adherence to stringent food safety standards while simultaneously minimizing waste and conserving resources. Industry 5.0 goes a step further by embedding a human-centered perspective, where collaborative robots (cobots) and augmented intelligence systems assist workers in fostering resilience, adaptability, and mass customization. This holistic integration places food manufacturing at the intersection of smart production and societal well-being, establishing systems that are not only efficient but also ethically aligned with consumer expectations for transparency and sustainability. By examining the synergies of CPS, DT, and AI within the Industry 5.0 paradigm, this review highlights the technological trajectories and challenges in developing future-ready, intelligent, and human-centric food systems.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>