Why nutrients in crops are declining summary
- Nutrient density in some crops has fallen by around fifty percent
- Climate change, soil depletion and breeding priorities drive long-term nutrient loss
- Around twenty eight percent of people face moderate to severe food insecurity
- GLP-1 weight loss drugs increase demand for highly nutrient dense foods globally
- Manufacturers reformulating with protein and essential nutrients gain competitive advantage
Nutrient density in crops is declining. In some crops, it has declined by around 50% in the past half-century.
Crop nutrient decline poses a problem. We already have a world where nutrients are in strong demand, with around 28% of the global population experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity as of 2024, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO)
However, a new source of demand for nutrient-dense foods has emerged within the last few years: the prevalence of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.
Why are nutrients depleted?
The decline of nutrient density in crops has been taking place for a long time – in fact, around half a century.
Why has this happened? “Climate change is a key part of it, with CO2 levels, depleted soils, and breeding priorities all having an impact,” says Todd Redwood, global managing director for consumer, food and retail at technical standards body BSI.
With the current disconnect between consumers and how their food is made, says Redwood, many people are not currently being directly impacted by th