Food printing: Edible 3D printing

What exactly does 3D food printing mean?

Many people are now familiar with how 3D printing works. It provides a simple way of producing precise objects – such as implants or components. Printing food is essentially no different. An edible raw material is provided, which is shaped into the desired form using innovative printing technology and a specified design. This produces a three-dimensional version of the original – in terms of both shape and texture. In so-called additive manufacturing, the process involves applying one layer at a time until the model is complete.

Which foods are suitable?

Bioprinting has not yet reached the stage where all foods can be produced to the same standard. However, significant developments and progress have been made in certain areas.

• Dough and baked goods: Whether it’s cake or marzipan – soft materials can be transformed into complex shapes and structures with the help of 3D food printing.

• Chocolate and confectionery: The 3D printer is also ideal for those with a sweet tooth, as it can produce everything from elaborate chocolate sculptures and exquisite personalised pralines to wine-flavoured sweets.

• Pureed foods: Older people often struggle with difficulty swallowing. To ensure they are still offered meals that look appetising, care homes, for example, can make use of 3D food printing. This allows even pureed or mushy foods to be shaped into an appealing form.

• Meat and meat substitutes: Meat alternatives are on the rise and are constantly being improved. One way to optimise them further is through the use of bioprinting. Lab-grown meat This brings plant-based textures even closer to the original.

Where does the path lead next?

The foods listed are merely examples, as there are plenty of other possibilities as well – such as seafood and the like. 3D food printing is particularly efficient when the ingredients used as a base are readily available at low cost and in a way that conserves resources – for example, Algae or Insects. Making these natural sources of protein suitable for human consumption and ridding them of their undeservedly questionable image is an important step towards The Future of Food.

But 3D printing offers great potential, particularly for the production of meat alternatives mentioned above, as their texture is frequently cited as a point of criticism. If 3D printing can be used to produce in-vitro meat or plant-based alternatives on a widespread basis, this will result in a number of benefits:

• ‘Meat’ that can be produced without the need for animal life and using fewer resources makes it possible, in the long term, to reduce livestock numbers, which place a strain on the environment. Lab-grown meat can help reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions by around 96 per cent. At the same time, it would consume less than half the energy used in conventional meat production. The first piece of meat was printed in 2012. Such products may also be an option for vegans and vegetarians.

• Production of new and bespoke food creations

• Less food waste, as even food that does not meet standard specifications can be used as a base ingredient

• Short lead times and fast production times

• Support in the fight against food shortages and hunger

Outlook: How Ehlert can support 3D food printing

3D printing is on the rise – that much is clear. Appropriate methods and solutions are being developed for an ever-increasing range of food products. This is to everyone’s benefit, as a shift in thinking will be necessary in the long term to tackle issues such as ensuring food security and the growing impact on the climate.

In the field of bioprinting, too, additional equipment is required alongside a 3D printer. Starting with a suitable base material to act as the printer’s ‘ink’. To make this more appetising, Ehlert offers a comprehensive range of spices. What’s more, the perfectly shaped end products must also be packaged reliably – another job for the Ehlert shop! From bags and film / foil to portion containers and twine, you’ll find everything you need here to package food with optimised shelf life.

As a supply chain specialist, Ehlert always has an eye on the future and recognises the value of innovation within the food industry. We would therefore be delighted to support you in the production and processing of food.