What will food look like in future with artificial intelligence

Images created by artificial intelligence have shown what food will look like 30 years from now, as we may be forced to eat more "sustainably". It seems that the menu of the future could include cricket salad, pasta made from an aquatic plant, and meat grown in the lab.

Experts used the artificial intelligence tool Midjourney to bring to life the menu of 2054, which features bizarre dishes, according to the Daily Mail.

There is also green pasta and artificial "meat" balls, which look like they came straight from the kitchen of another galaxy.

Scientists believe that these unusual creations could replace favourite dishes of grilled meat and fish and chips, as they will have a lower carbon footprint, to help in the battle against climate change.

Insects as a substitute for meat

As for crickets, scientists say that insects are full of protein and provide a more sustainable alternative to red meat and poultry.

With studies showing that red meat and dairy products are responsible for a significant proportion of global greenhouse gas emissions, experts believe insects will be a good alternative.

Plants will also be largely replaced by new, currently unknown varieties, such as the fast-growing fern azolla, used in soups, salads and even burgers.

The images were created using Midjourney by a team of experts at FixOurFood, a research programme led by the University of York, and the UK retailer Co-op.

“Over the past 30 years we have seen scientific leaps towards more sustainable production that would have been unimaginable to most people in 1994,” said Bob Doherty, director of FixOurFood. “From lab-grown meat to vertical farming, the future of food is set to revolutionise how we eat.”

Lab-grown meat

Lab-grown meat is still subject to legal and regulatory regulations, but by 2054 the team believes it will be freely available to buy.

Also known as “cultured” meat, this futuristic method offers an alternative to real animal meat that tastes almost the same, as a sample of cells is taken from a living animal and raised or “grown” in a lab to create a meaty mass.

Ethical and sustainable food

Some industry experts believe that 3D food printers will soon become a common part of kitchen equipment, alongside the toaster, microwave and air fryer.

They claim that 72% of consumers are now more interested in ethical and sustainable food than they were in recent years.

In the next 30 years, retailers expect that number to rise.