Purpose of review <p>Pome fruits, particularly apples and pears, are widely consumed worldwide and have long been associated with health-promoting properties. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the major bioactive compounds present in pome fruits and their by-products, focusing on bioavailability, mechanistic pathways, and evidence supporting their role in chronic disease prevention.</p> Recent findings <p>Recent research has shifted from descriptive compositional analyses toward mechanistic investigations, highlighting the role of polyphenols, triterpenoids, and dietary fiber in cardiometabolic regulation, glycemic control, renal protection, and modulation of inflammation. Emerging evidence underscores the importance of bioavailability and microbial biotransformation, as many health effects appear to be mediated by circulating metabolites rather than native compounds. Studies in animal models and human trials indicate that pome fruit bioactives influence key molecular pathways. Additionally, increasing attention has been directed toward the valorization of pome fruit by-products as sustainable sources of functional ingredients.</p> Summary <p>Accumulating evidence supports the health-promoting potential of pome fruits and their derived bioactives. While further standardized and long-term clinical studies are needed, current findings position pome fruits as relevant components of dietary strategies targeting chronic non-communicable diseases within a sustainability-oriented framework.</p>