Food of the future

There’s no doubt that food plays an important role in every person’s life: it impacts our
physical and psychological health, shapes our cultural and social experiences, and it brings
people together. Whatever dishes you currently enjoy as your favourite, chances are they
will look quite different in 20 to 30 years.
The key reasons that affect the changes in how we view food can be summarised as:
 rising world population
 global warming and climate change
 unequal access to food
 growing focus on sustainability
 advancements in technology
 cultural shifts and dietary preferences
 health and nutrition concerns
So what can be called the food of the future?
Plant-based meat
Many researchers are working on developing plant-based meats. They are using a molecule
called heme to replicate the taste and texture of meat in new food products. Besides heme,
other ingredients like wheat-based protein, coconut oil, and potato starch are also in play in
the creation of plant-based alternatives to meat. The market for these products is growing
quickly, and Beyond Meat, a company that specializes in plant-based meat substitutes, has
been particularly successful.
Lab-grown meat
Lab-grown meat, also known as cultured meat, is a real alternative for those who find it
difficult to accept plant-based meat. The unique thing about lab-grown meat is that it
doesn't require harming or killing animals to produce it. Initially, making the first lab-grown
burger was very expensive, costing up to $325,000 in 2013. However, nowadays, many
startups and companies are working on developing this technology, which has led to a
significant reduction in costs. Currently, a lab-grown burger costs just only $12 to make.
Lab-grown meat closely resembles real meat in taste and texture, making it a promising
option for the future. With the ongoing progress and increasing affordability, it's believed
that by 2040, lab-grown meat could account for about 35% of the global meat market. This
technology could help reduce the need for traditional animal farming and, in turn, be more
sustainable and animal-friendly.
Plant-based milk
Instead of coming from animals, plant-based milk is made from plants like soy, almonds,
oats, or coconuts. It is a popular choice among people who prefer dairy-free options due to
lactose intolerance, allergies, or ethical reasons. Plant-based milk offers a wide range of
flavours and can be used in various recipes, just like traditional dairy milk. Moreover, its
production has a lower environmental impact compared to conventional milk, making it a
more sustainable choice. As more people embrace healthier and eco-friendly diets, plant-
based milk is likely to become a staple in the diets of many individuals in the future.
Edible Insects
Edible insects are becoming an important topic in the world of food. Insects are already
consumed by approximately 2 billion people worldwide and have been a part of diverse
cultural diets for many generations. Insects are an excellent source of protein and essential
nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. What's more, raising insects for food is
better for the environment compared to traditional meat production, as it causes less harm
to the planet. Many startups and big companies are now hopping on this trend. For
example, Aspire Food Group is building a large cricket farm, which will be the biggest ever,
using smart technology. They already have cricket farms in the U.S. that are flexible and can
grow as needed. As we look to the future, edible insects may play a vital role in ensuring
food security and sustainability.
Seaweeds
Seaweeds, also known as sea vegetables, are a food trend that is becoming more popular in
our diets. You might have already tried them in sushi or seen spirulina, a nutrient-rich
addition to health-conscious diets. Like insects, seaweeds have minimal impact on the
environment, grow rapidly, and are packed with essential nutrients, making them a great
option for future food choices. One Canadian startup called Cascadia Seaweed is already
working on offshore farms and a seed nursery to produce seaweed. They are also planning
to introduce new food products made from seaweed for consumers.
All of the above advancements may not only lead to healthier choices but also contribute to
reducing the environmental impact of our dietary habits. As the world continues to evolve,
embracing these changes in the way we produce and consume food may pave the way for a
brighter and more sustainable future for both individuals and the planet.
So, does the future of food look attractive to you?

Vocabulary
1. To impact - to have an effect on somebody/something.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/To%20impact%20/english?
2. Sustainability - the quality of causing little or no damage to the environment and
therefore able to continue for a long time.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/Sustainability/english?
3. Advancement - the development or improvement of something.
 https://youglish.com/pronounce/Advancemen/english?
4. Shift - a change in opinion, mood, policy, etc.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/a%20Shift/english?
5. Concern - a feeling of worry, especially one that is shared by many people.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/a%20Concern/english?
6. To replicate - to make or do something again in exactly the same way.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/To%20replicate%20/english?
7. Substitute - a thing or person that is used instead of another thing or person.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/a%20Substitute%20/english?
8. To harm - to hurt someone or damage something.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/To%20harm%20/english?
9. Initially - at the beginning.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/Initially%20/english?
10.Significant - important or noticeable.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/significant/english?
11.Affordability - the state of being cheap enough for people to be able to buy.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/Affordability%20/english?
12.Intolerance - the fact of not being able to eat particular foods, use particular
medicines, etc. without becoming ill.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/lactose%20Intolerance/english?
13.Conventional - traditional and ordinary.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/Conventional/english?
14.To embrace - to accept something enthusiastically.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/To%20embrace%20/english?
15.Staple - a basic type of food that is used a lot.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/a%20Staple/english?
16.Edible - suitable or safe for eating.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/Edible/english?
17.To consume - to eat or drink something.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/to%20consume%20/english?
18.Diverse - very different from each other and of various kinds.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/Diverse/english?
19.To hop on the trend - to participate/take part in the trend.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/hop%20on%20the%20trend/english?
20.Flexible - able to change to suit new conditions or situations.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/Flexible/english?
21.Vital - necessary or essential in order for something to succeed or exist.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/Vital/english?
22.To ensure - to make sure that something happens or is definite.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/to%20ensure%20/english?
23.Health-conscious - having an active interest in one's health.
 https://youglish.com/pronounce/Health-conscious%20/english?
24.Rapidly - very quickly; at a great rate.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/Rapidly/english?
25.To evolve - to develop gradually, or to cause something or someone to develop
gradually.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/to%20evolve%20/english?
26.To pave the way (for somebody/something) - to create a situation in which somebody
will be able to do something or something can happen.
https://youglish.com/pronounce/%09To%20pave%20the%20way%20/english?