Future food, the menu of 2030. The world's population has been increasing faster than food production. Even with modern agricultural technology there will be nine billion people to feed by 2050. Researchers have been looking at new food sources, tweaking existing ones and even creating entirely new foods. We examine what could be on our dinner table 20 to 30 years from now.
Critters. A 2013 UN Food and Agricultural Organization report reminds us that there are 1,900 edible insect species out there that some 2 billion earthlings already regularly consume. Beetles, butterflies, moths, bees and locusts.
Insects are abundantly available and rich in low-fat protein. Fiber and minerals. Lab meat.
Scientists came up with synthetic meat grown in the lab. As early as 2013, scientists have already cultured ground beef from cow stem cells. Although that lab patty cost $330,000 to make and tasted quite bland, experts predict it will only take a decade or two for an affordable product.
that looks, cooks, smells and tastes like ground beef. Algae While it is already used as a biofuel, algae is seen as a solution for the problem of food shortages, as it can feed humans and animals alike. Algae is the fastest growing plant on Earth and has long been cultivated in Asia. Food experts predict algae farming could become the world's biggest crop industry, as it can be grown in both the oceans and in freshwater.
It is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Farmed fish. 3.5 billion humans today depend on the oceans for their primary food source. That figure will double in 20 years. Fortunately, humans are aware of this and have implemented sustainable commercial fishing practices and turned to cultivating fish.
Aquaculture is going big. With 35 countries producing more farmed fish than fish caught in the wild, a milestone was reached in 2011, when for the first time, more fish were farmed than beef. A trend that has continued. GMO Chow.
Genetically modified food is nothing new. We first re-engineered the DNA of plants in the 80s to make them disease-resistant. By the 90s.
GM foods were commercially available. Several food items we consume fruits, crops, livestock, even fish have undergone some sort of genetic modification. These are generally safe and went through strict standards. 3D printed dishes Straight from the printer and onto the plate you will be able to fully customize food shapes, textures, tastes and forms. You can order online your favorite chocolate bar or snack.
and 3D print it with a machine at home. The food you're craving will just be a print away.