The Future of Food: Why Eating a Wider Variety Matters

As our planet faces environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and dwindling resources, the foods we eat play a huge role in shaping a sustainable future. To tackle these challenges, experts have identified 50 future foods—crops that are not only nutritious but also resilient and eco-friendly.

Today, about 75% of the world’s food comes from just 12 plants and 5 animal species. This reliance on a narrow selection of crops harms both our health and the environment. By broadening our diets, we can support biodiversity, reduce agricultural pressure, and make our food systems more climate-resilient.

So, what are some of these future foods? You might recognise some, like lentils and quinoa, but others, like moringa (a nutrient-dense leaf), fonio (a drought-resistant grain), and seaweed, may be new to you. These foods are often highly nutritious, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and can thrive in tough conditions, making them essential in the fight against hunger and climate change.

By embracing these future foods, we can nourish ourselves and protect the planet. Let's make our meals more diverse and sustainable, one bite at a time.

Click below to read more about the future foods.