The Future of Food

And how it will affect human diet.

The Future of Food

Food is one aspect of human life that shows the true creativity of the human race. It exists in so many different forms and uses so many different ingredients, from the Alaskan ice cream made from whipped tallow, meat, and berries, to the delicate tasting menus of Le Gavroche in London.

But, what is the future of food? Will it be a push towards more plant-based or will we re-embrace meat on our plates?

Perhaps our protein will come from a more…unique source. Food has already undergone several evolutions, from basic farming and animal sources to the more processed options we see today.

Let’s take a look at what the future of food holds.

Knowing More About What We Eat

With over seven billion people in the world, you’d think that at least some of us would know more about what goes onto our plates.

Was the tomato you just sliced for your salad grown on an organic farm? Was that fish farmed or caught fresh? And, more importantly, what is the real gluten content of your favourite junk food?

However, nutrition knowledge is sorely lacking in many countries, and the future of this could potentially be food scanning technology. This technology could allow users to scan samples of their food for its nutritional content, such as gluten or tree nut levels, and make informed decisions about what they eat. This could certainly have a positive effect on our diets and overall health in the long run.

Protein – Not Just From Meat

Meat-based and plant-based burgers are both still popular food choices among those who take protein seriously, but there is another avenue we could explore when it comes to the future of food: insects.

No, not live, squirming ones, but high protein insects processed in a sustainable environment to create flours, bars, and even biscuits.

Entomophagy – the eating of insects – is already common practice in several countries, including Brazil, Thailand, and China. Insect-based protein is a great way to sustain food security and provide a nutritious food source for the world. Crickets and mealworms are popular meat alternatives due to their higher protein levels.

    The Impossible Will Become Possible

     

    It would seem that the future of food is leaning more towards being plant-based, especially with meat consumption ever on the rise.

    But, burger connoisseurs still want to feel as though they are eating a juicy burger – even if it is animal-free.

    Companies have started to meet this need, and this can especially be seen in the innovation of the Impossible Burger. The Impossible Burger from Impossible Foods sizzles in your pan just like its meat-based counterpart, and even “bleeds”like meat. This is achieved by using heme – an oxygen-carrying molecule that causes the redness of meat and blood. These burgers are not only great for the environment but are a better choice for a healthy diet.

     

    All About Algae

    We all love a piled-high-platter of sushi as a treat, and don’t give the seaweed (nori) a second thought, but what if there was a more nutritious way to get in your sea greens?

    Seaweed and algae are already eaten regularly in Japan. They are not only healthy, but are highly sustainable, and the farming of algae causes minimal damage to the environment.

    Algae is not only a “future food”, but it can also positively impact climate change, as it removes carbon dioxide from our atmosphere. It is also a sustainable alternative to agriculture, able to feed both humans and animals. In terms of diet and health, algae will boost your intake of calcium, protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals.

     

    Virtuous Vertical Farming

    Traditional agriculture and food production are changing rapidly, and the future of food has brought about vertical farming – a system that uses vertically aligned surfaces (like tall city buildings) to produce crops.

    Farmers can control important factors using this system, namely the temperature, air and water supply, and humidity.

    Vertical farming is vital for improving food security in areas where there is little access to fresh produce, and it can help to curb climate change by eliminating the need to ship foods to cities. With more access to healthy greens and plants, inner-city diets can improve, and the restaurant industry can provide delicious, locally sourced food to guests.

     

    The Future Of Food Is Now

    Food is a constant in the human world – we eat to live (and some of us live to eat). But, the future of food is rapidly changing, bringing with it a shift in thinking, towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of choosing our next meal.