Importance of Food Innovation and Its Future

The food industry craves constant innovation to ensure profitability and survival. The demands of consumers keep evolving. Thus, retailers are constantly seeking innovative ways to meet their needs.

Moreover, players in the food industry are increasing, and competition is getting stronger. The only way to survive and grow in business is by embracing change and development.

However, the need for innovation also poses a problem. Food innovation offers challenges along with opportunities. Most food businesses fail because they fear change or don’t recognize the need for change.

What is food innovation?

The development and commoditization of food products, processes, and services related to food are called food innovation. Some of the food trends in 2021 led to food and beverage companies offering healthy and nutritious options that are enticing, accessible, unique, and sustainable.

The pandemic has led people to order food online, dine with friends on a Zoom call, and try new recipes at home by watching videos online. Well, the Dalgona Coffee is so 2020! Environmentally aware and health-conscious citizens are driving 2022 menu trends. Have you heard of plant-based meat? The year 2021 also introduced plant-based alternatives to eggs! Now, scrambled eggs can be enjoyed by all.

Amazed by the food trends of 2021, we’re looking forward to the 2022 food trends. The future of food innovation looks exciting! Food technology will never be the same again because efforts are already being made to change the face of this industry. The adoption of 3D printing technology, vertical farming, lab-grown meat, cellular culturing, etc., is an effort towards saving the ecosystem.

Here are examples of how technology is used to revolutionize the food and beverage industry:

3D printed food

3D printing technology has transformed the world of manufacturing. It is believed that this technology will be famous among food retailers, producers, and consumers too. 3D printing redefines cooking while producing healthy high-tech consumable food. When food is made using 3D printing technology, less waste is generated compared to conventional cooking. The opportunity to offer novel food designs multiplies while allowing chefs to explore artistic possibilities.

High-pressure processing

High-Pressure Processing (HPP) is a cold pasteurization process that extends the shelf-life of food 10x without compromising its quality or taste. Food safety is guaranteed as this technique inactivates microorganisms to maintain flavor, appearance, texture, and nutritional value. No irradiation or chemical preservatives are needed.

Robo Chefs

As the name suggests, robots with fully articulated and automated arms can replicate the movements of human arms and hands. Robo chefs can take cues from human chefs and cook with speed, accuracy, and sensitivity.

Personalized Nutrition

A unique and personally tailored eating plan can be offered by understanding each person’s genetic makeup and how they react to different food. Nutrigenomics is a science that can help tailor your diet to your very DNA.

Cellular Agriculture

This technique is focused on producing meat, eggs, and milk sustainably and ethically. These animal-based products are made from cell cultures rather than directly from animals.

Watch out for food trends 2022!