Will 3D Printers Be Our Next Kitchen Appliance?

Of course, NASA has gotten into the act and recently invested in a 3D printer that can make meals from cartridges filled with various carbohydrates and protein powders. We don’t want to spoil it by telling you that meat could be replaced with insects, grass and algae as our primary sources of protein. Obviously, this makes great sense for NASA, as they will always want the lightest ingredients in bulk as possible for space travel.

It might be a hard thing to wrap your brain around, but with the earth’s population expanding to 12 billion people, there will ultimately be a food source shortage. NASA has given 3D printer company, Systems 7 materials Research Corporation (SMRC) a six-month grant to develop a universal food synthesizer. The project could change the way food is made at home. It’s projected that the home of the future will include a 3D printer along with other kitchen appliances. Ready for a snack, just print one.

Just when we thought the fast food concept has been taken too far, a faster fast-food comes along. We’re guessing some day we will be using a replicator appliance, like in the Star Trek series, whereby the crew could create their favorite foods in minutes.

Take a look at where we are today and where the food industry is heading in the next decade and beyond.

Bio-Printed Meat

Currently, a 3D-bioprinted burger is about to change the way we see meat, according to Modern Meadow, which is working on bio-printing a meat replacement project that was funded through a grant. The company is working on a solution to the global hunger problem. The company is certain that with further research, meat production is quite feasible, economical and environmentally advantageous.

Pizza of the Future

The 3D printing industry is moving quickly and the breakthroughs are happening every day. Food technology is a little behind due to the multitude of variables that go into creating food that is edible and desirable. 3D Systems is a company that is dedicated to researching the variety of foods that will be cooked up in the future with this method. The machine is called Chefjet and also creates chocolate products and sweets.

Fruit That Won’t Overripen

Can you imagine printing your own fresh fruit in seconds? The new Dovetailed 3D printer uses the latest in techniques, which is to place the drops of the flavored gel onto a dish in a way that duplicates the appearance of the fruit. The other cool thing about it is that the flavor and texture can be customized… want it more sweet or tarte, just dial it in. Currently the company has the berries ready to roll and is in the process of developing pears and apples. Just think how much money it will save in produce we throw out.

Project Pancakebot

The initial purpose of this 3D copier project was to inspire children to have fun with their food, which is why it can create pancakes in different shapes. It’s fun and yummy. The new model will be introduced at the Paris Maker Faire later this month. Pancake-lovers are raving about this printer, but we are hoping it will expand to waffle, French toast and crepes before it is mass produced.

Chocolate to Order

At the moment, Choc Edge is the leader in 3D printers that will make you and your family some pretty amazing chocolate creations. But in January of this year, Hershey’s announced it will be making their own 3D chocolate printer in the hopes it will keep the company in the mainstream for a long time to come. William Papa, head of R&D for Hershey’s states, “Whether it’s creating a whole new form of candy or developing a new way to produce it, we embrace new technologies such as 3D printing as a way to keep moving our timeless confectionery treats into the future.”

3D Printed Food Could End World Hunger

Originally, NASA funded the development of a 3D food printer to take care of hungry astronauts in space. They are calling it a “universal food synthesizer” and are anticipating every home will ultimately have one in their kitchen. Here’s the way it would work: people would load up on nutritional powder and oil cartridges at their local store and create food as often as needed. The cartridges would stay fresh up to 30 years. The thought is that this new technology could solve world hunger. Although it is a giant undertaking, companies are moving forward on the concept. Although this photo doesn’t make the food look edible, we are assured it is.