Future Food Research Articles

Evaluation of Soybean Ingredients in Pet Foods Applications: Systematic Review.

Soybean use has been low in pet foods, even though they are an excellent source of protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and gut fermentable fibers. The purpose of this evaluation was to conduct a systematic review of the public literature to explore how soybeans have been researched for pet food applications since 2000 and to provide strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for soybeans in the pet food industry. The review covered a total of 44 articles related to soybean ingredients and their potential value in the pet food arena. The articles were categorized by their research contents and narratively summarized to demonstrate useful information to both the pet and soybean industries. When soybean-based products have been adequately processed to reduce the antinutritive factors, they are comparable to processed animal proteins in nutritional value, palatability, and functionality in pet food processing. We conclude that various food processing technologies and the versatility of soybean ingredients allow soybean to have considerable inclusion potential in pet foods. More research on dietary soybean ingredients regarding pet food processing, fermentation benefits on health, and consumer acceptance will be needed to understand soybean's position in the future pet food industry.

Pulse Protein Isolates as Competitive Food Ingredients: Origin, Composition, Functionalities, and the State-of-the-Art Manufacturing.

The ever-increasing world population and environmental stress are leading to surging demand for nutrient-rich food products with cleaner labeling and improved sustainability. Plant proteins, accordingly, are gaining enormous popularity compared with counterpart animal proteins in the food industry. While conventional plant protein sources, such as wheat and soy, cause concerns about their allergenicity, peas, beans, chickpeas, lentils, and other pulses are becoming important staples owing to their agronomic and nutritional benefits. However, the utilization of pulse proteins is still limited due to unclear pulse protein characteristics and the challenges of characterizing them from extensively diverse varieties within pulse crops. To address these challenges, the origins and compositions of pulse crops were first introduced, while an overarching description of pulse protein physiochemical properties, e.g., interfacial properties, aggregation behavior, solubility, etc., are presented. For further enhanced functionalities, appropriate modifications (including chemical, physical, and enzymatic treatment) are necessary. Among them, non-covalent complexation and enzymatic strategies are especially preferable during the value-added processing of clean-label pulse proteins for specific focus. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships between the composition, structure, functional characteristics, and advanced modification strategies of pulse proteins, which is a pillar of high-performance pulse protein in future food manufacturing.

A university perspective on future food production

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Improvement of Printability Properties of High-Protein Food from Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Using Guar Gum for Sustainable Future Food Manufacturing

Increasing the availability of alternative protein from insects is important for solving food shortages. Not only are insects a rich source of protein, but using insect as ingredients could reduce food waste. Insects are thus a potentially valuable ingredient for food industries and even sustainable food. The three-dimensional production of food for future food has gained attention owing to its potential to reduce autonomous food production and produce sustainable food. This study investigated the printability and rheological properties of a high-protein food system derived from mealworms and guar gum used to improve printability. The stability and rheological properties were analyzed for various printing parameters. The results indicate that the yield stress of the mealworm paste dramatically increased (39 to 1096 Pa) with even a small guar gum concentration resulting in an increase (0 to 1.75%). Increasing the guar gum concentration thus resulted in a mealworm paste that had a more significant value of hardness and cohesiveness but reduced adhesiveness (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of guar gum increased viscosity, and caused the paste to exhibit a shear thinning behavior and ability to support itself and was thus more stable. In summary, introducing guar gum resulted in a mealworm paste with rheological properties more suitable for printing in terms of printability and stability.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Wild Tubers Used by The Orang Asli Bateq Tribe on The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Indigenous tribes and rural communities around the world are known to rely on various plant parts for their livelihood and nutrition, most notably for food. This research aimed to examine and document the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of wild tuber food plants used by the Orang Asli Bateq tribe of Peninsular Malaysia. The findings of this study are critical to scientifically identify and document food sources from the forest that contribute to the tribe's livelihood and, possibly, future food security. In the Bateq villages, information was gathered via semi-structured surveys, field trips, group discussions, and key informant interviews. The results show that TEK influenced the use of wild tubers inherited from their ancestors. The Bateq ate at least 11 different types of wild tubers, including Dioscorea orbiculata, Dioscorea prainiana, and Dioscorea hispida. Most of these wild tubers are from the Dioscoreaceae plant family and must be properly processed before being consumed. The elements related to the traditional knowledge of the wild tubers are the harvesting skills and the practice in the utilization of the plant. The survey also suggests that the selection to use plant tubers is prompted by its delicious taste and nutritional value while being natural and unpolluted food. In terms of plant sustainability, the majority of the Bateq will follow certain conservation techniques to maintain the plants' availability. Understanding what underlies TEK and the tribe's practices in using wild plant resources will preserve the natural legacy of forest resources and biodiversity, and possibly contribute to future food security.

Coping with Food Crises

Abstract In response to three major postwar food crises (1945–1946, 1972–1973 and 2007–2008), Japan developed a distinctive approach to food security. The largest food crisis in Japan’s modern history occurred after the defeat in 1945 as a result of the loss of former colonies, adverse weather, and import limitations imposed by the Allies. In 1973, the United States imposed a soybean embargo, leaving Japan with uncertain supplies. More recently, the 2007–2008 world food prices crisis brought new concerns about Japan’s overreliance on foreign markets. As a result of the cumulative effects of these crises, Japan developed what we define a ‘preventive approach to food security’, whereby it seeks to mitigate the negative effects of any potential future food emergency by promoting self-sufficiency and ensuring a steady supply of imports. In this article we will analyse and clarify the central role of the three postwar food crises in shaping this approach.

Research Progress in Printing Formulation for 3D Printing of Healthy Future Foods

Research Progress in Printing Formulation for 3D Printing of Healthy Future Foods

Assessment of the Impacts of Plant Growth-Promoting Micro-Organisms on Potato Farming in Different Climatic Conditions in Morocco

Environmental concerns are gradually reducing the global yield capacity of agricultural systems, with climate change representing the most significant challenge. Globally, Potatoes are the most essential non-cereal crop. Therefore, understanding the potential impacts of climate change on potato production is crucial for maintaining future global food security. This study aims to explore the roles played by PGPMs in two distinct regions, which are characterized by different climatic conditions, to assess their influence on two potato varieties, namely Siena and Bellini. Inoculation with these strains, particularly the Aureobasidium pullulans strains Ach1-1 and Ach1-2, resulted in significant improvements in growth and yield. In 2018, impressive yields of 194.1 kg/0.05 ha and 186.6 kg/0.05 ha were recorded for the two strains, with the Ain Taoujdate site achieving yields of 157.1 kg/0.05 ha and 151.1 kg/0.05 ha for each of the two strains. Additionally, further observations revealed that the Siena variety is more susceptible to rot than the Bellini variety. However, Ach1-1 and Ach1-2 strains had a significant effect on this rot, showcasing their potential to mitigate this negative issue in the Bellini variety. These promising results underscore the potential of PGPMs to enhance potato production in the Fez–Meknes region of Morocco, contributing to global food security amid climate change.

Millet's Role as a Climate Resilient Staple for Future Food Security: A Review

This review comprehensively examines the role of millets as a sustainable and resilient food source in the context of global climate change and escalating food security challenges. Millets, a group of small-seeded grasses traditionally grown in semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia, are re-emerging as crops of significance due to their remarkable adaptability to harsh environmental conditions and their rich nutritional profile. The review begins by outlining the various types of millets, including pearl, finger, and foxtail millet, and their geographic distribution, emphasizing their adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. It then delves into the nutritional aspects of millets, highlighting their high content of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, making them a potent solution to combat malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies prevalent in many developing regions. A critical focus is placed on the climate resilience of millets. Their exceptional drought tolerance, ability to thrive in poor soil conditions, lower water, and nutrient requirements compared to staple crops like wheat and rice, and resistance to pests and diseases underscore millets' potential as sustainable crops in increasingly unpredictable climatic scenarios. This resilience not only promises to bolster food security but also contributes to sustainable agricultural practices. It explores the challenges and limitations in millet cultivation, processing, consumer acceptance, and market integration. It highlights the current gaps in millet-focused agricultural policies, the need for improved processing technologies, and strategies to enhance consumer appeal and marketability. Innovations in millet breeding for enhanced traits, advances in processing technologies, and the impact of biotechnology and climate-smart agricultural practices are examined. These technological and scientific advancements present opportunities for overcoming existing challenges and enhancing the role of millets in global food systems. Also presents case studies from various countries, particularly India, illustrating successful initiatives in millet cultivation, integration into national food policies, and community-led efforts. These examples offer valuable insights into practical approaches for promoting millets.

Between farms and forks: Food industry perspectives on the future of EU food labelling

This study assesses how information about the provision of ecosystem services can contribute to an integrative food labelling framework within the European Unions' Farm to Fork Strategy. By applying Q-methodology with 43 food industry experts from four European member states – Germany, Poland, Spain, and Sweden –, we identify common viewpoints among food processors, retailers and labelling organisations. We find a consensus in support of introducing new food labels that would encourage farmers to deliver more ecosystem services, such as increased farm biodiversity. Applying factor analysis and using the qualitative information from the interviews, we derive three distinct prototypes of a future European food label: 1) a producer-driven ecosystem services label, 2) a consumer-oriented information label, and 3) a new EU sustainable food label. These label prototypes are partly country-specific and invoked by multiple stakeholder groups. We conclude that a future European Union food labelling framework must account for all three label prototypes. Policymakers are advised to embrace the diversity of viewpoints of food system actors, as they are the main drivers of the success and failure of labels.

Forecasting Monthly Fish Landing in East Coast Peninsular Malaysia Using SARIMA and Artificial Neural Network

Marine resources management has become vital nowadays due to the increases of awareness of these resources becoming limited. With regards to fish landing, it has been a crucial for the managers to make better decision making particularly the amount of fish stock need to be kept for future food security since fish is one of the main source of protein supply to the country. Hence, the objective of this study is to predict the Monthly Fish Landing in East Coast Peninsular Malaysia using Box–Jenkins Autoregressive Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The data obtained were split into two sets with ratio of 80% and 20%, training data was set from January 2012 until December 2019 while testing data from January 2020 to December 2021. The SAS and MATLAB were used to analyse and obtaining the best model of prediction. Based on Box-Jenkin approach, the best model of SARIMA was observed in SARIMA (1,1,0)(0,1,1)12 with AIC and SBC reach the minimum value at AIC=20.67209 and SBC=20.77894. By taking lag variables of SARIMA model as the input for ANN, we then developed SARIMA-ANN model. The findings showed that the integration of SARIMA–ANN model proven to be a feasible option for more accurate prediction of monthly fish landing performance in East Coast Peninsular Malaysia.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”: exploring the sensescapes of food experiences in Tivoli

ABSTRACTSet within the unexplored context of Tivoli in Copenhagen, we adapt a mixed-method approach relying on multimodal data and impressionistic storytelling, to qualitatively explore the material staging of Christmas as well as the overall impact of sensescapes on the visitor’s food experience. Drawing on affect theories and nonrepresentational theory, the paper advances multisensory food research. In this process, we demonstrate how affective atmospheres influence and shape food experiences “in situ” and develop the notion of smokescape as a poignant new concept for future food studies.

Engineering artificial casein micelles for future food: Preparation rate and coagulation properties

Artificial casein micelles (ACM) could play a key role in producing animal-free dairy products from recombinant casein, although their coagulation and curd functionality are currently unexplored. Moreover, efficient processes are required to cost-effectively engineer ACM for food applications. In this study, ACM were prepared from bovine casein at various preparation rates and their structure and functionality were compared to natural bovine casein micelles. Overall, the micelles were comparable, although ACM were larger, more polydisperse, and more mineralised. ACM showed similar coagulation behaviour as bovine micelles and their curd grains could be plasticised. ACM prepared at increased preparation rates showed an increased size, polydispersity, and mineralisation. These micelles required longer coagulation times and showed no plasticisation behaviour. Therefore, casein micelle self-assembly is a time-sensitive process, for which we found a characteristic time of about 18 min. Our findings highlight that ACM prove a feasible route to produce future cheese alternatives.

Optimizing Fruit Quality Through Biochar: A Comprehensive Review

Innovative solutions are required to meet the urgent problem of sustaining the global food supply for a growing population against the backdrop of expanding desertification and drought brought on by climate change. Traditional synthetic fertilizers have been used to increase agricultural soil productivity for a long time, but they have had negative effects on the environment, including seeping into ecosystems and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Optimizing soil water retention, encouraging healthy soil bacteria, and improving fertilizer effectiveness are some of the major issues facing the agricultural sector. In this context, the development of biochar-a nutrient-rich material made from biomass-has drawn attention as a potent tool for soil improvement, with an emphasis on the growing of fruit crops and its advantages. Applications of biochar in agriculture have enormous potential. They increase the nutrient content of the soil, increase its capacity to hold water, reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, strengthen the soil microbiota, and dramatically increase crop yields. Beyond these benefits, biochar has uses in economic, environmental, and prospective applications in carbon credit systems. The use of biochar, also known as biocarbon, is a potential solution to the complex problems that fruit crop agriculture faces in a world that is struggling with water scarcity and desertification brought on by climate change. By realizing its potential, we can advance sustainable agriculture, lessen our negative environmental effects, and improve future food security while supporting international efforts to address climate change. There are obstacles in the way of biochar’s potential for global food sustainability because of its varying qualities, dependence on feedstock, and lack of knowledge about its long-term consequences, resulting in the need for more study.

Overview on pulse proteins for future foods: ingredient development and novel applications

Overview on pulse proteins for future foods: ingredient development and novel applications

Alternative Meat as Future Food, Seeking a Sustainable Future

Alternative meat is a protein food produced by cultivating animal cells, processing insects, and extracting vegetable raw materials, rather than slaughtering animals, and has been suggested as an alternative to conventional meat to solve the current factory farming and animal rights problems. The global alternative meat market is expected to reach $29 billion by 2035 from $1.78 billion in 2025. Alternative meat has significantly lower water and land use and greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional meat production methods and is free from the emerging animal ethics problem. However, with the current technology, there is a limit to reproducing the taste, texture, and nutritional content of actual meat, so continuous technology development is needed. The negative perception of some consumers and the absence of alternative meat-related systems are also challenges to be solved. This paper deals with the types, characteristics, market status, and the latest technology trends of alternative meat. In addition, we aim to contribute to the development and establishment of alternative meat by looking at alternative meat from the perspective of consumption and investigating the challenges that the alternative meat industry must solve to establish itself as a future food source.

Caregiver Influences on Eating Behaviors in Children: An Opportunity for Preventing Obesity.

This review seeks to define caregiver practices that impact childhood eating behaviors and identify ways to utilize these relationships to prevent childhood obesity. Childhood obesity, which correlates with adult obesity and increased cardiovascular risk, is increasing in prevalence and severity. Caregivers play a significant role in shaping a child's eating behaviors and their predisposition to obesity. Maternal influences during pregnancy and infancy impact a child's future food preferences. Caregiver feeding styles (authoritarian, authoritative, indulgent, and uninvolved) are associated with distinct effects on children's eating behaviors and self-regulation. Authoritative feeding styles promote child autonomy while setting boundaries in the feeding environment. Early caregiver education and coaching regarding nutrition and feeding practices is beneficial to establishing healthy eating behaviors for children.Various caregivers, including parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, and others, influence a child's eating habits at different stages of development. These caregivers can both positively and negatively impact a child's diet. Comprehensive interventions involving these various caregivers to promote healthy eating practices in children is ideal. Such interventions should be sensitive to cultural and environmental factors. Childhood obesity is a complex issue with long-term health effects. Early intervention using comprehensive approaches including all caregivers, community support, and public policies to address the social determinants of health will be beneficial. Future research should focus on valid outcome measures and equitable interventions that encompass all aspects of a child's life.

Positioning earthworms in the future foods debate: a systematic review of earthworm nutritional composition in comparison to edible insects

Abstract Sustainable food system innovations are urgently needed to feed a growing human population while staying within planetary boundaries. Farmed edible insects have received considerable scientific and public attention due to their potential to improve food system circularity by upcycling nutrients from organic residual streams to nutritious food. Earthworms, as non-insect invertebrates, have remained largely unrecognized in the future foods debate. However, they are already widely farmed at industrial scale for their capacity to recycle organic wastes and improve soil fertility. We conducted a systematic literature review to provide a quantitative basis on earthworm nutritional composition, thereby positioning earthworms in the future foods debate. Here we show, based on evidence from 142 scientific studies, that farmed earthworms are a potentially interesting food source. They have an attractive nutrient composition compared to the main farmed edible insect species, being especially rich in protein, low in fat and containing a favourable profile of essential amino acids. The content of important fatty acids, minerals and vitamins in earthworm biomass is higher or lower than in edible insects, depending on the feed material. Crude protein and fat contents are higher in farmed versus wild earthworms, indicating that farming conditions provide a lever for further improving the nutritional composition of earthworm biomass. Whether earthworm species or feed materials affect earthworm nutritional composition could not be finally clarified based on the available data. We conclude that earthworms have high potential as a future food from a nutritional perspective, mainly as an alternative source of protein. The integration of earthworm farming in future food systems can be expected to improve sustainability and circularity, potentially giving earthworms an advantage over edible insects.

Ultrastable High Internal Phase Pickering Emulsions: Forming Mechanism, Processability, and Application in 3D Printing.

High internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) are versatile platforms for various applications owing to their low-density, solid-like structure, and large specific surface area. Here, naturally occurring polysaccharide-protein hybrid nanoparticles (PPH NPs) were used to stabilize HIPPEs with an internal phase fraction of 80% at a PPH NP concentration of 1.5%. The obtained HIPPEs displayed a gel-like behavior with excellent stability against centrifugation (10000g, 10 min), temperature (4-121 °C), pH (1.0-11.0), and ionic strength (0-500 mM). Confocal laser scanning microscope and cryo-scanning electron microscopy results showed that PPH NPs contributed to the stability of HIPPEs by effectively adsorbing and anchoring on the surface of the emulsion droplets layer by layer to form a dense 3D network barrier to inhibit droplet coalescence. The rheological analysis showed that the HIPPEs possessed a higher viscosity and lower frequency dependence with increasing PPH NP concentration, suggesting the potential application of such HIPPEs in three-dimensional (3D) printing, which was subsequently confirmed by a 3D printing experiment. This work provides highly stable and processable HIPPEs, which can be developed as facile and reusable materials for numerous applications. They can also be directly used for future food manufacturing, drug and nutrient delivery, and tissue reconstruction.

Economic consequences of climate change impacts on South Asian agriculture: A computable general equilibrium analysis

AbstractSouth Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions of the globe in terms of climate change, with agriculture the most affected economic sector of the region. This study employs an environmental Global Trade Analysis Project model to simulate the impact of an average global 2°C temperature increase by 2050, with a focus on South Asian countries. The economic costs of climate change in relation to crop productivity losses due to increasing temperature, land productivity losses caused by rising sea levels and heat stress‐induced agricultural labour productivity losses are assessed based on model simulations. The results show that the unfavourable climate change impacts on agricultural productivity (crop, land and labour) will reduce food production and create upward pressure on food prices. This will lead to a reduction in food consumption at the household level, threatening future food security in the region. The results further predict a contraction in all South Asian economies by 2050, due to adverse climate change impacts on the agricultural sector. In addition, out of the three climate change damage factors considered, labour productivity causes the greatest economic losses, while land productivity losses caused by rising sea levels impact the least. The study also found that low‐income countries would suffer most severely due to the impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector, while high‐income countries would be impacted the least.