Our Daily Bread… - The Industrialization of Nutrition

Nutrition and life-style have undergone radical changes since the end of the  Second World War. Whereas the availability of food differed greatly according to the season and region even in the 1930s, today we can buy locally grown food as well as food produced all over the world regardless of the time of year and the location. Eating habits have also changed. The consumption of fast food has significantly increased compared with the 1980s, pizza and Asian snack bars have become daily standards for most people.

Food scarcity and the necessity of feeding the population in times of war led to the industrial production of food as early as the 19th century. The invention of the tin can in 1812 was an important step towards the large-scale production of food. Most of our daily food is produced industrially today. The food industry relies on standardized and cost-effective production processes to keep prices low and satisfy the massive demand. The product must fulfil the expectations of customers with regard to packaging, appearance, taste and preparation. Before it is released onto the market, it undergoes exhaustive testing in the laboratories of food designers.