The act of food is the most fundamental of all human activities and a ‘powerful dimension of our consciousness as living things’ (Mintz, 1986). We are biologically capable of using food as fuel for energy, yet eating has always been for the human species, more than nourishment and the satisfaction of a basic need. We have turn a biological necessity into a ritualized cultural phenomenon – the eating experience shapes a sensorial event that fusions perception, tradition, significance and social sophistication.

Globalization and technological development has served the human’s constant search of convenience, which developed a food system that is destroying our earth, damaging our health, and depriving our culture. In a context of environmental crisis and growing population, we have to reconsider nutrition and make a drastic shift in our approach to food. The future of eating, as a material and as a cultural experience, became one of the most important and influential topics for our society to work on.

The master's thesis expresses the cultural, social and sensorial extend of food, and reveals how ritualized practices and hedonistic behaviours may promote meaning and purpose in human experiences. The vision stands in the significance of designing new practices around food, that stimulate conscious and more sustainable eating futures. The craft of new eating experiences that celebrate food and engages all the senses, may create a more intimate and vigorous relationship with food. Design may be employed in creating a new body language that creates a more holistic experience, replacing behaviours that disconnect us with our food.

Moving from traditional table manners, body positions and semantic language can promote a rediscovery of senses and eating gestures and practices. And using metaphorical and spiritual symbolism may lead to more profound and mindful practices.

Considering the relevance of food as a cultural, emotional and sensorial phenomenon, the thesis' work focuses its research on this extend for the matter of reshaping our relationship with food, in a pursue to define a new perspective of the future of eating.