The future of the future foods: understandings from the past towards SDG-2

Abstract

Food security faces growing challenges due to population growth, resource limitations, economic pressures, and industrialization-induced lifestyle changes. Traditional food systems struggle to adapt, necessitating innovative solutions and sustainable practices to meet future food demands. This review article explores emerging food system models and alternative food sources, including edible insects, seaweeds, plant-based and lab-cultured meats, underutilized crops, hydroponics, and next-generation fish farming. It highlights the role of food processing technologies such as blockchain, biotechnology, and robotics in enhancing sustainability, reducing waste, and improving food system efficiency. Consumer acceptance of engineered and fortified foods emerges as a critical factor in driving these innovations. The review also emphasizes the need for a transformative approach to food production, incorporating innovative technologies and sustainable practices to ensure food security by 2050. A coordinated effort to integrate alternate food sources and advanced processing methods will be vital for achieving a secure and sustainable global food future.

Fig. 1

Description of human evolution and the changes in eating patterns caused by increased industrialization and the marketing of processed foods.

Fig. 2

Illustration of the dimensions that constitute the future of food.

Fig. 3

Fast food, junk food, and industrialized food—definitions and differences.

Fig. 4

An Overview of Food System.

Fig. 5

Climate-smart traditional agricultural practices.

Fig. 6

Regulating Modern Food Systems: Challenges and Opportunities.

Fig. 7

World production and use, major products (million tonnes).

Fig. 8

Consumer acceptance levels of GM foods, with traditional food practices like yeast and mold use in production being the most widely accepted.

Fig. 9

Projected environmental impact of dietary shifts towards plant-based alternatives by 2050.

Fig. 10

Blockchain technology revolutionizes food safety and sustainability by ensuring transparency, traceability, and efficiency across the entire supply chain, from farm to table.

Fig. 11

Key Agricultural Parameters Tracked Using Artificial Intelligence.

Fig. 12

Food Robotics markets growth trajectory year over year.

Fig. 13

Illustrative overview of novel food preservation technologies, showcasing methods such as cold plasma, UVC radiation, ozone treatment, high-pressure processing, and pulsed electric fields, along with their mechanisms and equipment setups used to inactivate microorganisms and enhance the shelf life of food products.