Food manufacturers must adapt to change now—embracing new processes and alternative protein sources—to ensure sufficient food supplies for the rising global population in the coming decades. This increasingly involves integrating plants, algae, insects, and other non-animal sources into food production as substitutes for meat-based proteins. While the idea of consuming algae and insects may seem unconventional, consumers are progressively open to plant-based foods and alternative protein sources that offer health benefits with a reduced environmental footprint.
Today, a growing number of food startups are emerging to meet consumer demand and address the projected protein shortfall. For instance, consumers can enjoy plant-based “hamburgers” that mimic the texture and taste of traditional meat, thanks to companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat. Additionally, local artisans are crafting a variety of meat substitutes. With the introduction of innovative ingredients such as soy and pea protein, along with hemp and rapeseed, the market is continuously evolving.
You can be sure that major food manufacturers are closely observing these developments and trends. Last year, Tyson Foods acquired a 5% stake in Beyond Meat and launched a venture capital arm aimed at investing in technologies, business models, and products that enhance the sustainability of the food supply. It’s not far-fetched to envision a future where resources become so scarce that products like Soylent—designed to provide nutrition through drinks and bars for those who prefer not to have traditional meals—become more widely adopted due to their low environmental impact. Initially, these products addressed “inefficiencies” in the food chain, including nutrient delivery such as usp verified calcium citrate.
Fortunately, with the remarkable advancements in scientific discovery and food innovation occurring today, the world shouldn’t have to rely on a diet of drinkable meal replacements. Instead, the integration of sustainable alternatives and nutrient-rich ingredients like usp verified calcium citrate will help pave the way for a more balanced and environmentally friendly food system.