A brief overview of a hypothetical human diet in 2050

A recent survey has identified several trends that could play out in the next three decades, reshaping the food industry forever. The goal is to design food that is rich in nutrients while minimising the carbon footprint of current practices. While many have thought of these objectives as part of an unattainable plan, many continue championing the large-scale consumption of plant-based foods and insects. Large number of people believe this method could help prevent further deforestation and ultimately save the planet.  Unfortunately, their methods might not be as efficient with the gradual increase in population. The United Nations estimates that by 2050, the earth could have 9.7 billion people. It would be a 25% increase from today’s global population. Here are some reforms and movements that could become the new norm by 2050. 

1. Food and diet innovation

By 2050, people will likely increase their intake of vegetables, whole grains and eat more fruit while decreasing meat, junk food and dairy. The plants we eat today might not even look similar to future plants with today’s innovation in 3D printing and microorganisms. The changes will likely affect various practices that might seem normal but prove to be unreliable in terms of sustainability, including animal agriculture. While this would mean much change globally, experts say this change is inevitable. They state that the current model whereby crops are nurtured and harvested to be fed to animals is highly inefficient and morally problematic. As such, by 2050, our diets could comprise either lab-cultivated or plant-based meats. To support the movement, businesses such as Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat make plant-sourced meat alternatives available worldwide. Although the quality of the alternatives today is rather hit and miss, competition in the sector could spark improvements with time. 

Dairy is also becoming irrelevant as plant-based alternatives such as soy, hemp, oats and nuts take their place. Egg alternatives are also being worked on with breakthrough firms like Eat Just and Evo Foods leading the way.

2. Addressing the obesity pandemic

Not only does animal agriculture pollute the earth, but it also causes illnesses. Overconsumption of dairy and meat could increase the threat of developing cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Data collected by the World Health Organisation shows that the worldwide obesity cases have tripled since 1975. This information presents the obesity crisis as a public health concern to be addressed concurrently with climate change. Current innovation in the food sector might offer lasting solutions to these humanity-plaguing crises.   

3. Personalised nutrition

The nutrition trend could alter the relationship humans have with food. According to experts, wearable health care technologies are likely to assess dietary biomarkers through molecular analysis in the future. 

In theory, the data would then advise wearers on the dietary modifications needed to minimise the risk of developing conditions like heart disease and diabetes. This trend might see families sitting at the dinner table eating different meals to suit their specific nutritional needs.   

The editorial unit