Imagine a world where dinner comes from a 3D printer or grows in a vertical farm. Welcome to Generation Beta, kicking off in 2025, and setting the stage for an evolving food culture, driven by technology, sustainability, and the values of Millennial and Gen Z parents.
Born into a world defined by AI and climate urgency, Generation Beta marks a turning point. Their primary caretakers, Millennials and Gen Z, bring their values of sustainability, wellness, and inclusivity into their children’s lives. As such, the rise of AI and advances in food technology are shaping new norms in food culture rather than mere trends.
This isn’t merely about predicting Beta’s favorite foods; it’s about acknowledging the conditions shaping their food environment. Millennials and Gen Z have already embraced plant-based eating and minimal waste, which will likely be part of Beta’s default food culture. Furthermore, these generations prepare their offspring to adapt to climate unpredictability and shifting resources, viewing food as both nourishment and a tool for adaptation and problem-solving.
Generation Beta will grow up immersed in food tech with AI meal planners and lab-grown meat. This immersion will redefine how they understand food preparation and sharing. Social media platforms like TikTok are playing an influential role, spreading food trends across cultures faster than ever before. Dishes such as birria tacos have become global sensations overnight. This tech revolution will likely aid Beta in learning about food history and cultivation, setting the stage for a new chapter in how food is perceived.
Food trends today spread at lightning speed via viral videos, giving Generation Beta instant access to international flavors. This connectedness isn’t merely about convenience but also about respect and storytelling. As their exposure grows, Generation Beta might see cuisine less as an expression of geography and more as a shared human experience.
The conditions shaping Generation Beta are only the beginning. They are growing up where sustainability and technology are integral to food culture. Their relationship with food will evolve with the challenges of their time, with the possibilities of AI and global connectivity opening new avenues for culinary exploration.
Generation Beta is poised to redefine food culture, growing up with values centered around sustainability and technology. As they embrace these elements, the tastes and traditions they establish will reflect their experiences and the world they inherit.
Source: Forbes
