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Heck cross-coupling reaction (HCR) is one of the few transition metal catalyzed C C bond-forming reactions, which has been considered as the most effective, direct, and atom economical synthetic method using various catalytic systems. Heck reaction is widely employed in numerous syntheses including preparation of pharmaceutical and biologically active compounds, agrochemicals, natural products, fine chemicals, etc. Commonly, Pd-based catalysts have been used in HCR. In recent decades, the application of biopolymers as natural and effective supports has received attention due to their being cost effective, abundance, and non-toxicity. In fact, recent studies demonstrated that biopolymer-based catalysts had high sorption capacities, chelating activities, versatility, and stability, which make them potentially applicable as green materials (supports) in HCR. These catalytic systems present high stability and recyclability after several cycles of reaction. This review aims at providing an overview of the current progresses made towards the application of various polysaccharide and gelatin-supported metal catalysts in HCR in recent years. Natural polymers such as starch, gum, pectin, chitin, chitosan, cellulose, alginate and gelatin have been used as natural supports for metal-based catalysts in HCR. Diverse aspects of the reactions, different methods of preparation and application of polysaccharide and gelatin-based catalysts and their reusability have been reviewed. Current trends, challenges and future prospects exploiting the sustainable applications of chitin, chitosan, starch, cellulose, pectin, alginate, gelatin and gum based (nano)catalysts for the Heck coupling reactions, are highlighted. [Display omitted] • Advances in Heck coupling reactions by biopolymer-based catalysts are described. • Synthetic methods for attaining biopolymer-based catalysts are highlighted. • Catalytic activity of chitin, chitosan, starch, cellulose, pectin, alginate, gelatin and gum based catalysts are presented. • Mechanistic details are provided for Heck coupling reactions using biopolymer-based catalysts. • Future challenges pertaining to Heck coupling reactions using biopolymer-based catalysts are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]