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- Wheat is a key global crop, providing essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids with antioxidant properties. In recent years, the cultivation of old wheat varieties and local landraces has gained attention due to their potential benefits in terms of nutritional quality and resilience to environmental stress. This study assessed the end-use quality and bioactive potential of 18 old wheat varieties, 12 landraces, and modern variety ('NS Grivna') grown in Serbia under changing climatic conditions. Analyses included grain yield, kernel weight, physicochemical properties, rheological tests (Mixolab, GlutoPeak), and phenolic content (HPLC-DAD, Folin-Ciocalteu). Results showed significant variability, with several old varieties and landraces exhibiting stable protein content, gluten quality, and antioxidant activity. These varieties are promising for breeding programs to enhance wheat resilience and nutritional quality. Additionally, several varieties were identified as rich sources of phenolic compounds, highlighting their potential for functional foods. This study emphasizes the importance of selecting resilient wheat varieties to secure food supply and improve wheat-based products nutritional value. Given that most of the old varieties and landraces investigated in these studies date back to the 1920s to 1960s, it is crucial to re-evaluate their performance under contemporary climate conditions, which have changed significantly over the past 20 to 30 years.