Dr Aoife-Marie Murphy
Senior Sustainable Nutrition Manager, Kerry
As demand for food rises, so does the urgency to create food systems that are both sustainable and nourishing. Fortunately, sustainable nutrition innovations are paving the way for a brighter future
Helping to make our food system sustainable remains a key challenge for the food industry. According to the United Nations, 2.4 billion people worldwide face moderate or severe food insecurity while millions more suffer from diet-related health issues arising from the excess consumption of salt, sugar and fat. At the Kerry Health and Nutrition Institute (KHNI), experts aim to shape the future of food and beverage by identifying trends and breakthroughs that will define sustainable nutrition in 2025 and beyond.
What is sustainable nutrition?
Sustainable nutrition means creating food systems that not only provide the energy and nutrients needed for healthy lives today but also safeguard the planet’s ability to feed future generations. This involves addressing several challenges: improving nutrition, reducing food waste and ensuring resilience in the face of climate change and economic shifts. With these goals in mind, here’s what we need to focus on in 2025 to make sustainable nutrition a reality.
1. Accessible nutrition
Accessible nutrition is about ensuring that everyone — no matter their income, location or background can have a nutritious, affordable and culturally appropriate diet. Today, 75% of our food is generated from only 12 plants and five animal species. Beans and lentils are prime examples of versatile inexpensive food that provides fibre, protein, minerals and calories. Expanding our reliance beyond just a few food sources can make our food supply more resilient and help people lead healthier lives.
2. Food waste prevention
Over a third of all food produced globally is wasted. Every step of the food chain — from farm to fork — has opportunities to cut waste. Innovations like better storage solutions, smarter logistics and upcycling leftover food into new products can make a significant impact. For example, spent coffee grounds or grains can be transformed into nutritious snacks, unlocking nutrients that would have otherwise gone to landfill.
3. Targeted nutrition
Personalised insights and data from wearable health trackers are revolutionising nutrition, moving beyond the one-size-fits-all approach to tailored solutions for consumer’s unique needs and life stages. Gut health is a priority as more people tailor their diets with probiotics, prebiotics and fibre-rich foods for balanced, bloat-free digestion.
Muscle and joint health are key for sports enthusiasts and healthy agers who turn to high-protein foods, collagen peptides and omega-3 fish oils to boost physical and mental performance. Women are addressing menopausal hormonal changes by choosing foods and supplements, like soy-based phytoestrogens, to alleviate symptoms. This personalised approached is marking a new era in health and wellness.
Achieving sustainable nutrition
is a complex but essential task.
4. Biotechnology
Advancements in microbiology, bioprocessing and artificial intelligence are making food production smarter, more efficient and more sustainable. Enzymes have been used in food production for centuries, but recent innovations in enzyme engineering are unlocking new possibilities. This technique improves operational efficiency, enhances product quality, extends shelf life, reduces waste and even unlocks nutrients. As technologies such as precision fermentation advance, it will be key in creating sustainable alternatives to proteins, fats, vitamins and even sweeteners.
5. Resilient supply chains
From climate change to geopolitical conflict, food supplies face constant challenges. For instance, cocoa supplies dropped dramatically in 2024 due to crop disease and environmental degradation, causing prices to skyrocket. Innovations like ingredient rebalancing and sustainable sourcing can help ensure affordability and continued availability.
Why sustainable nutrition matters
Achieving sustainable nutrition is complex but essential. It requires collaboration, innovation and commitment across the supply chain. At Kerry, we’re proud to work with partners to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable food. Together, we’re building a future with greater access to nourishing food while preserving the planet for future generations.
By embracing nutrient-dense diets, regenerative production practices, waste reduction and resilient supply chains, we can create a food system that supports both people and the planet. With the right innovations and collective will, the future of food is bright.
Want to learn more about nutrition trends and how we’re shaping the future of food? Visit khni.kerry.com
