In this episode of The Tomorrow Today Show, host Mike Lee is joined by guest co-host Melanie Bartleme (Associate Director of Food & Drink, Mintel) to investigate the future of the most common way we all interact with the food system: the grocery store.

The supermarket has never been just a place to buy food. It’s the frontline where digital innovation, political regulation, supply chain logistics, and shifting consumer desires collide. From the rapid acceleration of e-commerce during the pandemic to the debate over self-checkout, the grocery store is a continuing state of flux.

But as retailers innovate with in-store experiences and personalized apps, deeper questions emerge. What is the true cost of our food, and who bears it? How does policy end up dictating the ingredients in your pantry? And can new models that connect consumers directly with farmers challenge the dominance of the consolidated food giants?

This episode explores the grocery store as a microcosm of our entire food system. We uncover the unseen forces shaping your shopping trip, from the psychology of store layouts to the economic pressures on small farms and the human cost of automation. You’ll discover why your local supermarket is a battleground for everything from labor rights to data privacy, and why the simple act of buying groceries is more complex and consequential than ever.

Are we heading toward a future of hyper-efficient, automated convenience, or one of deeper connection and community centered around our food? Or, both?