Functional foods are known not only for their nutritional value but also for their positive effects on health. Compared to traditional foods, functional foods enhance individuals' overall quality of life, promoting a more balanced mood. This study aims to systematically analyze the effects of functional foods on mood, stress, depression, and other mental health conditions and to evaluate this from a gastronomy perspective. Understanding the impact of functional foods on mental health is essential for improving individuals' quality of life and fostering healthier societies. Additionally, evaluating this issue from a gastronomic perspective is crucial to increasing the consumption of these foods. The study involved a comprehensive review of research conducted in the past ten years, using the keywords "functional foods" and "mental health" in the Web of Science (WOS) academic database. After identifying the effects of functional foods on mental health from the existing literature, the subject was further explored through gastronomy. The study concludes that more research is needed in gastronomy to promote the societal use of functional foods, which significantly impact mental health.