Top 4 Predictions On The Future Of Food

By 2050, humans will need to shift their diet. That means the consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes should double. Meanwhile, the consumption of meats and sugar should be cut down by more than 50%. However, experts are discovering more alternatives to supplement our needs.

Here are the top 4 predictions on the future of food:

Edible insects

The idea may seem absurd, but entomophagy is nothing new to some parts of the world. For centuries it has been embraced by various cultures and is believed to be beneficial to dietary health. Because insects are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, they make a dependable alternative to animal meat in the future. For instance, a portion of a single grasshopper typically contains up to 28 grams of protein. Meanwhile, iron is abundant in a single serving of red ants. Though they may not be for everyone, they cause less damage to the planet; which makes them highly sustainable.

Algae

Algae, or seaweed, will also become more abundant in the food industry. Much like spirulina, more and more people are becoming aware of their health benefits. They are rich in essential nutrients like protein, iron, and antioxidants. Similar to insects, they can be farmed quickly without causing harm to the environment since they have a more efficient protein-to-land use ratio. With the decline in nutrients from the soil, algae can be a sustainable alternative while providing a higher percentage of natural nutrients. 

Plant-based meat

Plant-based meat is typically composed of protein and nutrient-rich ingredients like soy, pea, mushrooms, or jackfruit, which form their meaty texture. Scientists have also developed a molecule called heme that imitates the flavor of real meat to be incorporated together. Today, holistic food industries are widely producing these alternatives; and are slowly replacing burger patties and pizza toppings. They are incredibly healthy and may taste better than real meat!

Lab-grown meat

Lab-grown meat, or cultured meat, is technically meat; but one that does not involve killing an animal. It is made from animal cells cultivated in a growth medium containing nutrients, causing them to double and grow. This process takes more logistics and is far more expensive than animal meat farms due to its nature. It requires labs, machines, and expertise to craft safe meat for humans to consume. It may not have those fat marbles that make a succulent steak, but the flavors are, in fact, of real meat. Thanks, technology!

Shifting our diet to these seemingly odd alternatives may be a bit drastic, but one thing is for sure—they are much safer for our planet and animal friends. So, do we have the courage to take this huge leap into a greener future?