3D Printed Food: All You Need to Know

Food might be one of the last things on your mind when it comes to 3D printing. But since the availability of 3D printers for homes has increased, so has people's interest in three-dimensional printing, which gave the bright idea of printing food.  

From Oreos to cheesecake, the 3D printed food is surely making a big impression on the food industry. However, how does it taste? Is 3D printing the new big thing in the food industry? How does 3D printing food work? What foods can be 3D printed today? Aside from these questions, we must also address the benefits and limitations of 3D-printed food. We'll also know what types of 3D printers are used today in food printing. 

What is 3D Printed Food?

The concept of 3D printing food is much the same as your typical 3D printer, but of course, the main difference is that it extrudes edible filament. Moreover, you get multiple extruders depending on what type of food instead of the typical two extruders, like just putting icing on a cake using a piping cone. 

A 3D-printed food also utilizes the 3-axis system. Your typical printer uses two dimensions that include x and y. 3D printers can read the z-axis and create a three-dimensional object. Thus, the 3d model is translated, and the extruders can build the three-dimensional object in layers, sometimes with supports to keep the object upright as it prints to complete the other parts. Other 3D-printed objects even have moving parts that can be remote-controlled. You may want to check these controlled airplanes that were 3D printed. 

Aside from your syringe-like extruders, your 3D printing food will usually have these parts: 

Mixing Chambers – Where food is blended or temporarily placed before being drawn into the extruder. 

Hoppers – These are containers usually near and before your extrusion tube so they can hold more edible filaments or mixtures for an extended period. Thus, less need for refilling of food filaments on your extruder for larger food creations. 

Conveyor Track – Similar to your 3D printer, 3D food printers need a conveyor belt or moving platform. 

Coolers or Temperature Control Zones – These are usually computer-aided to adjust the temperature of filaments or built-in hoppers of a 3D printing food machine. Coolers for the 3D-printed food allow food to have a certain texture or consistency. 

Computer – Used to bridge communication between the user and software. 

Is 3D Printed Food the Future in the Food Industry?

In 2016, the first restaurant to serve 3D-printed food, called Food Ink, opened its doors to intrigue customers in London, which shows that there's a lot of potential in the hospitality sector. Also, thanks to the 3D printing technology, space explorers are able to enjoy pizza, steak, and milkshakes. The healthcare industry also sees potential in 3D printing food, such as people with dysphagia or those who have trouble swallowing. With food 3D printers, you can create food that is easily swallowed but, at the same time, nutritious and conditioned for a patient's specific needs. 

Though food that is 3D printed today is still enjoyed by most as an accompaniment to full meals, this advanced technology has the potential to become mainstream as it opens up a lot of possibilities. In addition, 3D-printed food also addresses many problems today. 

How Does 3D-printed Food Taste Like? 

According to a former Michelin chef, Tom Jacobs, when interviewed in Built-in, the taste of 3D-printed food is just similar to your typical food. "You won't detect any difference in taste," as stated by Jacobs. However, 3D-printed food can improve or change food texture or pattern. So, for instance, chocolate filling can be made soft or hard depending on your textural needs. 

Different Types of 3D Printed Food? 

3D printing for culinary purposes brings customization, but while still in the earliest stage, the following are typical 3D-printed foods. 

• Dressings and sauces
• Cakes and Pastries 
• Purees 
• Gel-like constancy 
• Cheese 
• Ice Cream
• Chocolate
• Sugar 

What Are the Types of 3D Printers Used in Food Printing

According to Mechanism: 

• Syringe-based Extrusion Food Printer– Considered an open source of 3D printing food, it uses a motor mechanism that plunges down when powered and passes through the syringe to push down the edible food filament. 
• Screw-type Extrusion– It also uses a motor mechanism, but this time uses a screw that runs through the extrusion tube, allowing the edible filament to pass through the extrusion nozzle. 
• Air-pressure Driven Extrusion Food Printer– This type of 3D foot printer has the simplest mechanism and doesn't need a motor to operate; instead, it uses compressed air to push the edible filament down the extrusion nozzle. 

Know more about 3D food printer types with this source publication by Y. Kewuyemi et al. 

According to the Type of Edible Food Filament 

• Paste Extrusion – The food printer is mainly designed to extrude pasty food materials, ensuring a continuous flow of food on the plate, which makes it best for making tomato paste or purees. 
• Inkjet-based Printing – best for intricate food types that need superfine extrusions. This is great for creating artwork or message texts on cakes or pastries. 
• Layered Gel Printing – Layered gel printing is a great option when you need gel-like consistency. You can create gummy bear look-alike creations. 
• CNC-based Food Printers – Utilize CNC technology or Computer Numerical Control to create precise shapes or carve out edible food. 

What are the Benefits of 3D Printing Food? 

Wider Range of Food Types

The food revolution comes with the potential of having a range of food types that cater to specific needs. 

Customization of Food

The potential of having every meal that's tailor-made for your specific nutritional needs is likely possible in the future. In fact, elderly people now benefit from these edible 3D-printed foods. Advancements in 3D printing technology have enabled greater customization and personalization of printed food items. Chefs and food designers can create unique shapes, textures, and designs to suit individual preferences.

Opportunity for Intricate Designs

Aside from nutritional value and texture, food presentations are improved, and impossible designs can be made easily, even without a professional chef. If you love tinkering with tiny components, you might want to check out 3D-printed remote-controlled airplanes here. 

Less Food Wastage

Since the amount of food needed is accurately calculated according to a CAD program, no food is wasted, and there are fewer mistakes in creating intricate designs. 

What are the Challenges in 3D Printing Food? 

The primary concern about 3D printing food is its sanitation and freshness. How can you keep the food fresh and clean longer? These are typical worries of business owners. 

Along with the freshness and cleanliness of your 3D-printed food is how you maintain the quality and taste of your product. Another challenge in 3D printing food is how to maintain food quality. 

Also, not all food can be 3D printed. For instance, you may need specialized and complex 3D printers to 3D print spaghetti.  

Contamination between food and components is also being addressed. Moreover, food contamination between different types of food during the change of extruders, for instance, is also being monitored. 

What are the Developments in 3D Printing Food? 

Integration of Robotics

Robotics is being integrated into 3D food printing systems, providing precise control over movements and increasing the automation of the printing process. This can improve the accuracy and efficiency of food printing.

Innovations in Edible Materials

Researchers are exploring new edible materials for 3D printing, expanding the range of ingredients that can be used. This includes the development of edible filaments for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and novel pastes for extrusion-based printers.

Smart Printing Systems

The integration of smart technologies, such as sensors and cameras, is becoming more common. These systems monitor and adjust printing parameters in real time, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the printing process.

Sustainable Practices

3D-printed food lessens food wastage and can potentially lessen food costs. Efforts are being made to reduce waste, optimize material usage, and explore environmentally friendly printing practices.

Portable and Cheaper 3D Printed Food

Efforts are underway to make 3D food printing more accessible by developing compact and affordable models. The idea of an affordable 3D food printer with an exchangeable syringe pump mechanism aligns with the goal of making this technology available to a broader audience.

Educational and Consumer Models

Some companies are developing educational and consumer-oriented 3D food printers, allowing enthusiasts and culinary enthusiasts to explore and experiment with 3D-printed food in a home setting.

Integration with Culinary Arts

Collaborations between 3D printing experts and chefs are becoming more common, leading to the integration of 3D food printing into culinary arts education and professional kitchens.

Improved Food Safety Measures

As the technology matures, a focus on ensuring food safety in 3D printing is increasing. This includes the development of materials with enhanced food-grade properties and adherence to strict hygiene standards.

Research in Bioprinting for Food

Explorations into bioprinting for food applications involve the use of live cells to create unique food structures. While still in the early stages, this area holds the potential for creating foods with specific textures and nutritional profiles.