The Rise of Climatarians
Climate change and epic droughts are triggering widespread conservation. Next, consumers will adopt water-conscious diets, alert to the water impact of various foods and kitchen practices. Brands and crops will tout smarter water use and irrigation. At home, look for kitchen composting and smart dishwashing.
As urban populations worldwide continue to boom, city roofs will become mini agricultural centers, and communities will devise vertical farms, container farms and other creative solutions that escalate the “local foods” movement.
Food Waste Disruption
Shameful levels of food waste, now exposed, will compel interventions. Misshapen vegetables and bruised fruits, at bargain prices, will widely appear in farmers’ markets and grocery stores under the #uglyfood banner. The movement will even bolster canned and preserved foods. Activists will equate wasted food to wasted water, adding further urgency for action.
As faith in Big Food erodes internationally, food companies large and small will earn consumer trust by engaging consumers in product development, stripping down ingredient labels and disclosing ingredient origins and production methods to satisfy even the most demanding consumers.
Expect booming demand for fermented (and tasty) foods, such as kimchi, yogurt and sauerkraut. Eaten as part of a balanced diet, foods rich in “good bacteria” can promote a healthier human microbiome and thereby improve one’s mental and physical health. They may even promote sustainable weight loss.
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