The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) declared the urgency and the need to improve environmental conditions. The ecological footprint, shows that one of the activities with the greatest impact on it is the excessive use of plastics. Thus, because the food sector is the one that registers the greatest use of plastics for the purpose of coating or storing food, it is convenient to incorporate edible, biodegradable and functionalized films, as well as coatings on the market for the benefit of health and social welfare. This review aims to present scientific evidence that supports the potential of Ibero-American grains as source of biomaterials for the construction of films and coatings as a green alternative for sustainable development. Thus, crops such as chia, quinoa and amaranth, are proposed as a source of biodegradable polymers that constitute alternatives for the development of environmentally friendly films and coatings. Novelty impact statement This review provides guidance for future studies for film and coating making, including advantages and disadvantages of the most popular manufacturing techniques.