Posted by Roger
on January 15, 2026
By 2050, the global population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion, that’s a 25% increase from around 8 billion in 2023, according to the United Nations. This means a lot more people to nourish!
Nourishing the world population – a complex task ahead
Nourishing a growing population is no easy feat, especially when we’re already relying on a pretty limited selection of foods. The problem? A lot of these staples aren’t exactly nutrient powerhouses. So while people might be getting enough calories, they’re often missing out on essential vitamins and minerals.
Sticking to the same limited range of foods isn’t just boring, dietary monotony is also bad news for our food system. As we lose diversity in the plants and animals used in farming, our food system’s ability to adapt and stay resilient takes a hit. On top of that, relying on a limited range of crops and farming them intensively can take a serious toll on our already delicate ecosystems.
The Future 50 Foods Report
Recognising the challenges we’re up against, WWF and Knorr teamed up in 2019 to create The Future 50 Foods Report. Their aim was to give people more food options that are good for both our health and the planet.
The report highlights a variety of plant-based foods from around the world that can make our meals more nutritious while keeping our food system sustainable. The 50 foods were chosen for their nutritional benefits, lower environmental impact, taste, availability, and affordability.
Seaweed is one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods
The Future 50 Foods Report is more relevant than ever, and today, we’re shining a spotlight on one standout food – yep, you guessed it: seaweed! This ocean-grown superfood is actually an algae! Or, in more palatable words, seaweed is a nutritious vegetable from the sea.
Seaweed, or algae, is not just packed with nutrients, it’s also essential for life on Earth. Believe it or not, algae produce half of the planet’s oxygen and keep aquatic ecosystems thriving. On top of that, they’re loaded with essential fatty acids, protein, and powerful antioxidants.
But here’s where it gets even cooler – seaweed is a natural umami booster! That rich, savoury taste we usually get from meat? Seaweed brings it to plant-based dishes, making it a perfect way to amp up flavour without relying on animal products.
Growing edible seaweed could be a total gamechanger for our food system. Since it thrives naturally in water, it can be farmed year-round, with no need for pesticides or fertilizers. Plus, seaweed is packed with vitamin C and iodine, making it a nutrient powerhouse straight from the ocean.
Image: MORiSH’s crispy seaweed range
Seaweed can be enjoyed in all sorts of delicious ways: roasted as a crunchy, savoury snack (like our insanely tasty crispy seaweed thins), dried into nori sheets for sushi, or sprinkled over soups and salads for an extra flavour kick.
It’s one of those foods you should definitely eat more of! Not only is it packed with nutrients, but it’s also way gentler on the planet than animal-based foods, easy on the wallet, widely available, and – most importantly – super delicious.
Curious to learn about why seaweed is a win for both you and the planet? Dive into our blog Why our roasted seaweed snacks are so tasty and healthy.
Greener planet, healthier you – what’s not to love? 🌊 If our seaweed blog got you thinking (or snacking), share your pics, vids or comments and tag @morishsnacks 🙂!
