Can Technology Actually Change Our Food Systems

Many recent food innovations appeal purely to novelty, but these six show actual promise for the future of food. If you’re familiar with blockchain technology, you’re probably thinking, “but what does Bitcoin have to do with my dinner?” While most commonly associated with the enigmatic cryptocurrency Bitcoin, its first major application, blockchain is a much wider type of technology that be utilized in the medical industry, in elections, and in keeping tabs on our food. The basic premise behind blockchain is that it creates a secure, uneditable record of transactions, which verifies the validity and source of something. With the heightened concern about where our food comes from, blockchain could be a powerful tool in our farms, grocery stores, and restaurants.  There are a few niche applications where 3D printing may prove beneficial down the road, given ample funding and dedication. For example, it could be useful for elderly or disabled individuals that can no longer make food for themselves, or for the small subset of people with swallowing disorders who require specific food textures. The most viable niche application out there has to do with repurposing food waste into a printable material. AgriDust has started turning compost-type food waste into a printable material to make containers for plants, foods, and other short-use packages. The impact is succinct and direct, making it one of the most promising 3D-printing innovations.