Why I Talk About Chocolate (And What It Has to Do with the Future)
If you’ve been following my journey, you know I love talking about synthetic biology, space, better futures, and yes, chocolate! But why chocolate? What does something so familiar, so indulgent, have to do with the kinds of bold, transformative futures I work toward?
Quite a lot, actually.
In my work with Astreas, where we explore powering high-performance humans—think astronauts, Olympians, and adventurers who trek into the planet’s harshest environments—chocolate plays a surprising role. Whether we're designing resilient food systems for space missions or crafting nutrient-dense, joy-filled experiences for polar expeditions and desert crossings, chocolate becomes more than a treat. Combine that with AI, and you have the potential to optimize performance without sucking the joy out of the experience.
When we imagine the future of food, technology, and humanity, chocolate helps us see how it’s all connected.
Let’s unwrap it:
1. Because pleasure matters.
In the race toward solving big problems, we often forget that joy isn’t a distraction—it’s a fundamental human need. Chocolate is a symbol of that: simple, sensory, and universal. It reminds us that a good life isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving.
2. Food is more than fuel.
Sharing chocolate truffles with the incredible women and non-binary leaders in STEMM from Homeward Bound Team HB6. A sweet pause in the midst of purpose-driven exploration.
Chocolate isn’t just a snack. It’s a ritual, a memory, a gift. Our relationship with food carries culture, connection, and care. So when I talk about chocolate, I’m also talking about how we nourish ourselves … emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
3. Technology shouldn’t just solve problems; it should elevate the human experience.
From precision fermentation to AI-enhanced operations, tech is reshaping how we grow, make, and enjoy food. But the goal isn’t just efficiency—it’s intimacy. Chocolate is a delicious case study in how we can use innovation to reconnect with what makes life meaningful.
4. Chocolate opens doors
Yes, a suitcase full of chocolate! I had the chance to share these truffles stuffed with micronutrients and nootropics at a talk about the future of health. It was a hit!
When I talk about chocolate, people lean in. It’s a powerful way to start conversations about everything from regenerative agriculture to ethical sourcing to female entrepreneurship. Chocolate is pleasure with purpose—and that’s the sweet spot where impact begins.
5. It’s a microcosm of the future we’re building.
The journey of a cacao bean, from tree to taste, touches climate (yes, the cacao supply chain is under threat!), health, labor, technology, and culture. Talking about chocolate is talking about systems, and how we can design them to be more beautiful, equitable, and human-centered.
Savoring the Future
So yes, I talk about chocolate. Because in that small, beloved piece of food lies a world of meaning. It’s a gateway to bigger questions: How do we build futures rooted in joy? How do we use science and tech and human collaboration to bring out the best futures?
Tiffany with Shahreen Reza, CEO and co-founder of Astreas
In my work with Astreas, we believe that small things—like chocolate backed by a personalized AI coach—can open up vast possibilities. When we approach innovation with imagination, intention, and care, we can co-create futures that are not only sustainable, but deeply satisfying.
We also know that innovation means bringing people together. We’ve got an awesome team at Astreas, and I’m grateful every day to be part of this journey with them. We even get to see each other around the world IRL!
And that’s a future worth dreaming and building, together.
About Tiffany
Dr. Tiffany Vora speaks, writes, and advises on how to harness technology to build the best possible future(s). She is an expert in biotech, health, & innovation.
For a full list of topics and collaboration opportunities, visit Tiffany’s Work Together webpage.
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