Disclosed herein is the production of saturated alkyl esters or acids from furan materials. The starting compounds contain furan, ketone, and ester or acid functional groups and may be biologically-derived. The method includes hydrogenating the starting compound to form a reduced mixture. The method further includes hydrodeoxygenation of the reduced mixture to yield a saturated alkyl ester or acid. The saturated alkyl ester or acid can be unbranched or branched. The ester and acid products have a wide variety of applications and may be further processed into surfactants, solvents, and lubricants suitable for use in consumer products.