Almost everything Westerners eat today is processed in some way, so it’s a huge deal in the food industry. Some of my tour clients (who worked for a giant American food conglomeration) had recently been to a conference on packaged foods, and couldn’t stop talking about the latest innovation that was getting all of the buzz: WikiCell. It’s a sort of edible packaging, like the skin of a grape, that can be used for everything from yogurts and ice cream to cocktails and a shot of espresso. They told me to check out the company’s WikiBar, still in Beta phase at The Lab Store (where you can buy other futuristic products), near the Louvre (4 rue du Bouloi, 75001).

I signed up to attend one of their product testing tastings, and got to try this Wiki Food for myself. Verdict? I like the idea of popping a cocktail ball or ice cream ball in my mouth without needing utensils (would be handy for in-flight dining). It’s like Jetsons’ food, and actually tastes good (this is France, after all, even if the founders are American). If you’d like to participate in WikiCell tasting sessions, please email (they all speak English and French).

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