We have discussed in this review the development status of bio-based polymers, with a focus on publication trends in the journal and patent literature, and attempted to provide clarifications on some common confusions and misconceptions. Bio-based polymers can be produced from biomass feedstocks via a variety of routes, and the past two decades have seen strong overall growth of research and development activities. Frequent and wide adoption of bioplastics, made from bio-based polymers, will reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, with the added benefits of lower carbon footprint and biodegradability. However, in the absence of key technical breakthroughs and government support, bioplastics' relatively high production costs have limited their ability to gain more market share from conventional plastics. Decreases in oil prices (and thus in the costs of oil-based polymers) after 2013 has likely had a negative impact on research around the development of bio-based polymers as viable alternatives. As there seems to be plenty of inaccurate perceptions and confusions about bioplastics among the general public, we encourage scientists and entrepreneurs to actively engage in knowledge sharing and public education, which would be vital to bioplastics gaining favorable public attention as well as government policies.