3-D printing could give new meaning to meals ready to eat

The crew of the fictional starship Enterprise synthesized their meals on demand using a replicator—a device that used transporter technology to dematerialize quantities of matter and then rematerialize it in another form. While we don’t yet have transporters, today’s 3-D printing technology may be bringing the world closer to Star Trek-like, custom synthesized food.

Researchers with the U.S. Army’s Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) have been working with university and industry laboratories to advance the feasibility and application of 3-D printing to produce new types of military rations that are nutritionally customized as well as economical.

“It could reduce costs because it could eventually be used to print food on demand,” said NSRDEC food technologist Mary Scerra in a statement. “For example, you would like a sandwich, where I would like ravioli. You would print what you want and eliminate wasted food.”

Three dimensional printers replicate a 3-D computer image by depositing layer upon layer of thin material extruded from various cartridges. Originally, most 3-D printed objects were made of plastic, which was deposited as a paste and then hardened. But the range of materials that can be used in a 3-D printer has expanded rapidly in recent years to include food products.

“Printing of food is definitely a burgeoning science,” said Lauren Oleksyk, leader of a research team in the NSRDEC’s Combat Food Directorate. “It’s currently being done with limited application. … In the confectionery industry, they are printing candies and chocolates. Some companies are actually considering 3-D printing meat or meat alternatives based on plant products that contain the protein found in meat.”

The commercial food industry already is looking to 3-D printing to create opportunities for mass food customization. Barilla, a leading pasta manufacturer, last month launched a worldwide contest for unique 3-D-printable pasta designs. More than 530 designers submitted entries.

The Cornell Institute For Food Systems reports that custom food printers are being made available at the consumer level. Natural Machines is working on a 3-D food printer called Foodini, which will use “fresh, real ingredients” to “print all types of real, fresh, nutritious foods, from savory to sweet,” according to the firm’s website. The Foodini is expected to go on sale in 2015 for about $1,300.

The Army food researchers envision a future compact and portable food printer that troops could use in the field to create food on demand, using either ingredients provided to them or even those they could forage for, said Oleksyk, who was initially skeptical when she first heard 3-D printers could be used to engineer food. Now she marvels at the possibilities.

“I’ve been here long enough to see some of these ‘no ways’ become a reality,” she said. “Anything is possible.”