A few days ago, I came across a post about virtual eating. Yes, you heard that right: that futuristic scenario where even our food is no longer real, and we “consume” it virtually. And the funny thing is, I realized that, in a way, we’re already headed down that path. Let’s be honest: how many of us prefer to watch a YouTube or TikTok video while eating, especially when we’re alone?
Intrigued by this idea, I started researching—using, of course, that search engine for nostalgic folks, Google (because, well, TikTok is now the Bible). And that’s how I stumbled upon a few fascinating articles.
For me, this topic is relatively new. But as I read more, I realized this technology isn’t all that recent. I found articles dating back to 2017! So, some of you might already be quite familiar with what I’m talking about.
But let me tell you something. I find it hilarious to imagine buying a pack of puffed corn snacks for just a few cents (yes, those yellow ones in simple packaging) and, through VR, tricking my brain into thinking I’m eating Pringles—and actually tasting them! :)) Honestly, I even prefer the puffed snacks. Not just because they’re more affordable, but because they remind me of my childhood.
What is virtual eating? In essence, it’s a concept that combines our senses—sight, smell, taste—to offer a virtual dining experience. Imagine wearing a VR headset, seeing a perfect burger in front of you, and using sensors or stimuli to make it feel like you’re eating a real burger, even if, in reality, you’re consuming… nothing. Or maybe just something plain, like a piece of bread.
After marveling at the idea of virtual eating, my mind started creating scenarios for how I could use this technology to benefit my partners. Here are a few wild ideas:
- Interactive virtual menus for restaurants: Imagine a customer putting on a VR headset and being able to “taste” the dishes before ordering. Without eating a single thing, they can virtually experience every item on the menu. A culinary marketing explosion!
- Brand campaigns through sensory experiences: A food brand could offer consumers a complete experience, like a romantic dinner in VR on a mountaintop, paired with the “taste” of their products. And you wouldn’t even need to be there in reality!
- Immersive photo-video events: Instead of a traditional photoshoot for a food product, imagine a presentation where participants can “taste” the product through a customized VR setup. Photographers and videographers could turn the experience into unique, interactive content.
After my mind wandered through all these fantastic scenarios, I felt the need to ground myself. And since my car remains my preferred mode of transport (I’ll admit, it’s been a while since I last took the subway), I decided to shake things up a bit. I took a subway ride to observe real people.
The surprise? Everyone, without exception, seemed “disconnected” from their immediate reality. They weren’t wearing VR headsets, but each person was absorbed in their phone, in their own little world—a different kind of virtual reality, but one that has become commonplace.
Virtual eating, simulated sensory experiences, our behaviors toward technology—all of these challenge us to adapt, be creative, and find innovative ways to interact with the world.
