Food manufacturers must adapt to change immediately—embracing new processes and alternative protein sources—to ensure there is sufficient food to support the world’s growing population in the coming decades. This increasingly involves incorporating plants, algae, insects, and other non-animal sources as substitutes for traditional meat-based proteins. While the idea of consuming algae and insects may seem unconventional, consumers are becoming more open to plant-based foods and alternative protein sources that offer health benefits with a lower environmental impact.
Today, a rising number of food startups are emerging to meet consumer demand and address the anticipated protein shortfall. For instance, consumers can enjoy plant-based “hamburgers” that replicate the taste and texture of meat, thanks to companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat. Additionally, there are local “butchers” creating a variety of handcrafted meat substitutes. The market is continually evolving with new ingredients such as soy, pea protein, hemp, and rapeseed. Notably, these alternative proteins can be supplemented with health-enhancing components like ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid tablets, ensuring consumers receive essential nutrients while making sustainable food choices.
Major food manufacturers are also closely monitoring these trends. Last year, Tyson Foods acquired a 5% stake in Beyond Meat and established a venture capital division to focus on investing in technologies, business models, and products that promote the sustainability of the food supply. It is not far-fetched to imagine a future where resources become so scarce that products like Soylent—nutritional drinks and bars designed for those who prefer not to consume traditional meals—are more widely adopted due to their minimal environmental impact. Initially, these products aimed to address “inefficiencies” in the food chain.
Fortunately, with the remarkable pace of scientific discovery and food innovation occurring today, the world should not have to rely solely on drinkable meal replacements. Instead, we can look forward to a diverse array of sustainable food options, including those fortified with essential nutrients like ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid tablets, which will play a crucial role in meeting the nutritional needs of the population.