New Multi-Ingredient Process for Food 3D Printing Allows for More Personalized Choices

Food 3D printing is an emerging technology that uses 3D printers to create customized, nutritious and creative foods. It offers advantages such as reduced food waste, sustainability and the ability to create food for specific dietary needs. However, it also has obstacles to overcome, including food safety and consumer acceptance. Despite these challenges, food 3D has the potential to revolutionize the way we produce and consume food in the future.

In the latest advancement in the food industry, a team of researchers from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) has developed a new technique to produce and customize food. Specifically, they designed a multi-material, or in this case, multi-ingredient, 3D printer to incorporate different types of nutrient-rich foods. The applications proposed by the researchers range from the production of aesthetically pleasing food to the customization of food for people with eating disorders and dysphagia, i.e. swallowing difficulties.

The designed two-inlet, single-outlet extruder (left) and a 3D printed edible QR code (photo credits: SUTD).

What Is Multi-Material Food 3D Printing?

Existing methods are based on independently controlled single-ink syringes. While this is a technique that gives good results, it has certain limitations. Following this process, it is difficult to align more than one type of ink without cracking, for example. This is where the SUTC scientists’ breakthrough comes in improving the technique.