Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria and archaea, with high diversity, abundance, and stability. They have been studied for their potential in health and agrifood systems as alternatives to antibiotics. Bacteriocins are effective against a wide range of pathogens, have low toxicity, and can modulate microbiota, offering solutions for disease treatment and diagnosis. They are also used in food systems for antimicrobial packaging, bio-sanitizers, and biocontrol. The increasing global interest in bacteriocins is driven by the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the need for sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. Research on bacteriocins has expanded, with new technologies like bioengineering enhancing their applications. Bacteriocins are produced by many bacteria, often through complex biosynthetic gene clusters, and are used in various fields, including human and animal health, food safety, and aquaculture. Their potential for medical and agricultural use is significant, and they play a role in the One Health approach. Bacteriocin research is interdisciplinary, with studies focusing on their biology, classification, and sources. They are synthesized as inactive precursors, modified, and then exported. Bacteriocins protect their producers through mechanisms like efflux pumps and self-immunity. Their function involves receptor recognition and interaction with target cell membranes. This review highlights the current trends and potential of bacteriocins in various applications, emphasizing their importance in addressing AMR and improving food security and safety.Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria and archaea, with high diversity, abundance, and stability. They have been studied for their potential in health and agrifood systems as alternatives to antibiotics. Bacteriocins are effective against a wide range of pathogens, have low toxicity, and can modulate microbiota, offering solutions for disease treatment and diagnosis. They are also used in food systems for antimicrobial packaging, bio-sanitizers, and biocontrol. The increasing global interest in bacteriocins is driven by the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the need for sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. Research on bacteriocins has expanded, with new technologies like bioengineering enhancing their applications. Bacteriocins are produced by many bacteria, often through complex biosynthetic gene clusters, and are used in various fields, including human and animal health, food safety, and aquaculture. Their potential for medical and agricultural use is significant, and they play a role in the One Health approach. Bacteriocin research is interdisciplinary, with studies focusing on their biology, classification, and sources. They are synthesized as inactive precursors, modified, and then exported. Bacteriocins protect their producers through mechanisms like efflux pumps and self-immunity. Their function involves receptor recognition and interaction with target cell membranes. This review highlights the current trends and potential of bacteriocins in various applications, emphasizing their importance in addressing AMR and improving food security and safety.