By Jo-Ann McArthur
Recently, I conducted a "Think Experiment" with a global CPG company, imagining what a day in food could look like in 2035. I use the word "think" instead of "thought" because it's more forward-looking. Of course, no one knows exactly what the future holds, but it's a useful exercise to stretch your thinking and tune up your planning and innovation pipeline. We explored the role of food, including how it is prepared, sourced, and even grown.
Supper is the New Supplement
By 2035, "Food as Medicine" will likely become "Food is Medicine"; we'll have the tools and knowledge to understand exactly what nutrients our bodies need and when they are needed. This means adopting a more personal and proactive approach to our health, driven by the food we eat.
For those who have been following our Trend Reports, you’ll know that eating for wellness is not a new concept. We’ve been tracking it since 2018’s “Disruption in Health & Wellness” right through to 2025’s “I Wanna Live Forever: Eating for Longevity”. What we foresee is a continued customization of our diets based on the wealth of data at our fingertips. (To follow the progress, download our free Trend Reports from our website.)
The Smart Home: A Culinary Hub
With hybrid work firmly entrenched, the home remains the central hub for meals, but our relationship with food—how we acquire, prepare, and consume it—will undergo a radical transformation. The rigid diet cultures of the past will likely give way to a more holistic approach where nourishment and enjoyment go hand in hand. Forget restrictive diets like "gluten-free" unless medically necessary; you'll actually know what works for your body and when.
At the heart of the kitchen will be a central AI assistant—let's call it "CulinaryOS." This smart system will learn each family member's dietary needs and preferences, track what's in your smart pantry and fridge, suggest recipes based on what you have and what you need nutritionally, and even manage energy use. It will connect seamlessly with other smart home systems, making meal planning and cooking feel effortless.
Our CulinaryOS will automatically generate optimized shopping lists based on our meal plans and real-time inventory. We'll be able to review and adjust these lists via our integrated devices, ensuring we always have what we need.
Dining Meets Entertainment
Home entertainment will also transform. Imagine watching Jamie Oliver on an episode of Chef's Table make Nonna Teresa's famous pasta recipe while you're enjoying that same dish in your living room! How? Your 3D food printer and robotic appliances will make it for you. This blend of entertainment and dining will create completely new experiences.
Despite these technological advancements, one crucial question remains: How can we continue to connect and show love through food experiences? The human element of preparing and sharing meals will always be important.
How We'll Discover New Products
The methods by which the average person discovers new products and services in 2035 will shift away from traditional advertising models. Personalized recommendations driven by AI agents will become the primary source of product discovery. These agents, understanding individual needs and preferences, will proactively suggest relevant products and services tailored to each customer's unique requirements. Product discovery will be integrated more seamlessly into entertainment and social media. Picture buying an item you see in a virtual reality game or a social media post instantly—no more link-outs to shopping sites because it’s all embedded into the experience!
Ready to Navigate the Future of Food?
The future of food is dynamic and full of exciting possibilities. Are you ready to embrace these changes and innovate within this evolving landscape?
Reach out to us today to explore how we can help your brand thrive in the food world of tomorrow!
