Will homes remain the main destination for food and drink experiences? How can diets help maintain mental health? And who will people turn to for their groceries? In this part of the 2021 Expert Outlook, we speak to three experts about how the events of 2020 are shaping eating and drinking habits.

While lockdown has seen us snacking and indulging more, it has also prompted a large-scale return to the kitchen and preparing home-cooked meals. As we cook more, Pimp My Salad is catering to Australians’ growing desire for healthy ingredients and creative cooking at home.

In a bid to make spinach more exciting for shoppers, a USDA scientist has developed a variety that’s naturally red and is higher in antioxidants. By offering an eating experience that combines nutrition and novelty, it aims to boost sales and tap into a growing openness to manipulated produce.

More time at home has led to more home-cooked meals, and people are scrutinising their food’s journey from the farm to the dining table. Consequently, the popularity of organic produce is growing, with people increasingly interested in prioritising animal welfare.