3D-printed food offers new possibilities such as intricate designs, automated cooking, mass manufacturing, and personalised meals. But will it ever replace the traditional methods we know today?
Imagine stepping into the kitchen of the great smart home of the future. Sitting between your connected stove and IoT-enabled toaster is a 3D food printer, able to print and cook your favourite meal with a single touch of a screen.
According to 3D food printing company Natural Machines, this concept is not far from becoming a reality. Others, such as pizza printing specialist BeeHex, believe it is a matter of years before it becomes a common feature of not only the home, but in restaurant kitchens and commercial enterprises as well.
TechRepublic spoke to some leading companies in 3D food printing to find out more about the process of 3D printing food, its benefits, and how long before we come home to our 3D-printed dinner.
Until 2014, 3D food printers focused predominantly on intricate, sugar-heavy confections. Then one Barcelona-based company made strides towards 3D-printing something you could actually eat for dinner.
Natural Machines is a 3D food printing and IoT company and the maker of the first 3D food printer to make both savoury and sweet foods with fresh ingredients. Established in November 2012, the company originally focused on 3D-printing sweets and snacks before shifting focus due to COO and co-founder Lynette Kucsma’s healthy eating habits.
