3 Key Ways That Food Has Changed Over The Years

The food market worldwide generated approximately $8.27 trillion in the previous year. Even with reports of food shortages worldwide, this market increased by at least $500 million. Indeed, food is vital to human sustenance, and without it, the world would cease. However, food has seen many transformations over the years. While some are good, others not so much. Below is a discussion on food transformation so far.

1. Food processing 

Many centuries ago, food processing mainly involved sun drying, preserving with salt, roasting, and fermenting. Today, these methods have been overtaken by modern means. Although the old methods still exist, technology has improved them. The objective of food processing is to enhance the shelf-life of these edibles. Additionally, the weather and changing seasons make it impossible to grow certain food crops all year. However, with processing, food is abundant throughout the year. Most importantly, they are made to last a few more years before they become unhealthy for consumption. 

Today, with the help of lab-tested preservatives, many households can store foods until they are ready to be eaten. The positive side of this is eliminating the need to cook fresh foods and providing people with the choice of what to eat no matter the time of the year. But more importantly, processing has helped reduce harmful bacteria that alter the pH of some foods. 

2. Greater demand for organic foods

Over the last three decades, there has been an increased demand for organic foods, from fruits, vegetables and even staples such as bronze cut pasta. The reason for this is two-fold. Food education has become public interest, allowing people to make more informed choices about the types of foods they consume. Secondly, there is a general greater desire to live healthier lives. 

What then is organic food? In simple terms, it refers to foods produced under methods that conform to organic farming. In all cases, though, the increasing need for organic foods stems from people’s desire to create ecological balance. For example, when people ask for organic chicken or dairy products, they mean those grown on the farm. Animals reared outdoors and on free-range fields are presumed healthier options. Indeed, the gradual shift from factory-produced edibles continues to rise. This is happening as more people begin to understand the merits of protecting the environment. 

Thankfully, food manufacturers recognize the shift and have taken measures to ensure the market is ably provided for. It also explains why the organic food market jumped from $20 million in 2006 to $40 billion in less than ten years.

3. A spike in sugar and unhealthy fats

The health risks associated with consuming uncontrolled sugar and fats cannot be underestimated. Today, the medical world believes that the spike in lifestyle diseases is due to these. Junk foods may be pleasing to the eye and taste buds, but high sugar and fats are detrimental to the body. 

Unfortunately, it has become society’s bane due to the need for high returns and access to quick food. Today, the average person consumes 22 teaspoons of sugar in a day from their morning coffee, soda for snacks, burgers, and all the other meals categorized under junk food.

Overall, the transformation in food has seen both positives and negatives. Ultimately, the choice rests with you to eat wisely.