Food Futurologist Dr Morgaine Gaye on Brexit, 3D Printing and the Clean Eating Backlash

Time to stock up on tiger nuts…

Food seems so damn complicated nowadays. As choice proliferates and culinary traditions fade, what and how we eat has become an ideological minefield. Whether you’re Paleo, Insta-wellness, anti-sugar or fasting, food labels now speak as loudly as the ones sewn into our clothes.

What we need is a straight-talking dietary spirit guide. Step forward Dr Morgaine Gaye, a Food Futurologist and director of bellwether: Food Trends, the first food trend research compendium. With an on-camera charisma to match her academic credentials, Gaye looks at food and eating from a social, cultural, economic and geo-political perspective, translating trends for corporations, universities, the media and even governments – as part of the EU Commission, she was the chair at the Brussels Parliament for 2015.

We pinned her down for a quickfire Q&A to pick her brains on what food trends we’ll see emerge this year, what makes her tick… and what makes her sick.

I think in the vast majority of eating disorders (obesity and bulimia or anorexia) the issue is around love and control, food is just the conduit. A better relationship with our family, ourselves and the societal pressures is much more key.

How did you become a ‘food futurologist’?
I’m not exactly sure! I think I grew into the role based on some skills and some interests. I’m quite good at making connections between things and thought that food was the one thing we all have in common so it seemed like a good convergence point.

What are some of the big food trends we’ll see emerge in 2017?
More health focused things, chick peas used in a variety of new ways, tiger nuts and horchata, puffed vegetables.

What’s your earliest food memory?
Heinz minestrone soup for lunch. I think I was given soup a lot.

What emerging technology will have the biggest impact on food?
3D printing will enable companies to create very delicate and intricate products. But the thing which will change food in terms of cost and consumer perception will be air and the technical processes around used air.

Both obesity and eating disorders are on the rise. How can we move towards a healthier relationship with food?
I think in the vast majority of eating disorders (obesity or bulimia/anorexia) the issue is around love and control, food is just the conduit. A better relationship with our family, ourselves and the societal pressures is much more key.

What motivated you to create your own product range?
I have been making nutritional foods for myself since 2001 but had no desire to make products for other people. My partner had some significant health changes from taking the shake I used to make for myself and said ‘you should sell this’… despite my reluctance, we started making it in my kitchen…

How do you feel about the backlash against the expensive, restrictive ‘wellness’ movement?
Like everything, there is marketing, hype and brands selling you what you didn’t know you needed! I think, as a society, we are starting to wake up to what’s important and what has value…wellness has always been the most important thing but we’ve spent decades thinking that’s something someone else can DO for us!

I think there are so many people doing thankless, dull, tedious jobs for most of their lives and they serve us and make our lives better. Every one of them is a hero to me, because I’m terrible at doing the same thing every day.

How will Brexit have an impact on the food industry?
I think we’ll see more local products in our supermarkets, we’ll chose to eat seasonally (due to price) and the rest … let’s wait and see!

What’s your favourite restaurant in London?
My kitchen! It’s not gourmet but it’s simple, varied and served stress-free.

What do eat on a night in alone?
I always have lots of different salads because I like to pick and mix like a mezze.

Any food you hate?
I’ve never eaten tripe but I think that would probably be the hardest thing eat. I never liked gravy as a child and hated dumplings…so meaty, runny, wet food. Blugh.

What are you reading?
I’ve always got about 3 half-read New Yorkers on the go and I’m about to begin Bill Bryson’s At Home.

Are you interested in fashion?
I think people assume that my job is all food related but I’m a trend forecaster who translates the trends for the food business. Fashion and food sit side by side. It’s the same premise really.

What’s a signature Morgaine look?
I wish I knew, I’d have a lot less in my wardrobe! I decide my clothes by how I’m feeling. I’m not pink, frilly or girly. So I suppose, I sit closer to androgyny than most.

What keeps you happy?
Sleep. I’m just not good at late nights. And, some exercise makes me feel better too.

What keeps you healthy?
Happy and healthy…same thing for me.

Who do you admire?
I think there are so many people doing thankless, dull, tedious jobs for most of their lives and they serve us and make our lives better. Every one of them is a hero to me, because I’m terrible at doing the same thing every day.

Motto to live by?
Be conscious. Travel light. Say sorry quickly.

What are you most proud of?
I’m more amazed than proud really. I feel lucky that I made it this far, intact.

What would you like to be better at?
Everything! I’m not brilliant at anything so improvement in all areas is required! Must apply myself more!