3D food printing: From imagination to reality
What used to be a science-fiction fantasy a few years back, now becomes a reality. 3D food printing technology aims in revolutionizing the food innovation and production through creativity, customizability, and sustainability.
What is food 3D printing?
3D food printing is the process of manufacturing food products using a variety of additive manufacturing techniques (1). There are different types of 3D printers out in the market but the most advanced are the ones which have pre-loaded recipes and allow the user to remotely design the food on a computer. The food can be customized either in shape, colour, texture, flavour or nutrition according to the needs and taste of the user.
Manufacturers and enterprises from different industries such as Aerospace, Automotive, Packaging, and Food are already testing and leveraging the benefits of this technology. A German nursing home is already making 3D printed mashed food products which are served to elderly people facing difficulties in chewing (2).