Food is a universal language that often brings people together; Thanksgiving meals and employee potlucks have been the catalysts of many good conversations and life-long relationships since the start. However, food is a global matter and many places do not have access to the same nutritional quality and variety as others. For reasons like poor environments that cannot sustain agricultural growth, or highly populated areas with limited import resources, these growing concerns have made many researchers look at the benefits 3D printing could bring to stomp out world hunger.

Your standard non-food 3D printer is using plastics or metals; a 3D food printer is using things like butter, flour and eggs. Using 3D printing technology, simple ingredients can be transformed into more appealing products with different textures and tastes. Where it gets even more interesting is the possibility to customize the food; added nutritional content could be “printed” right into the meal. Algae is something that remains abundant around much of the world and is rich in proteins and antioxidants. It could be seamlessly integrated into a pasta dish or potatoes to provide more nutrient-rich value.

Combining cooking with technology

In 2022, 3D printing is still primitive, all things considered. To combat food shortage issues, the technology needs to be refined to produce a wide range of food products that are quick and cost-effective. However, the market for food printing continues to grow. By next year, the value is expected to be at $525 million with an annual growth rate of 46%.

There is more to solving food issues around the globe than just hitting a print button. Income inequalities, political and social issues and poor climate all share a role in the food supply chain. As of right now, the only 3D food printing machines on the market are more for the novelty section of cuisine; Natural Machines has the Foodini, a creative 3D printer for food that makes custom cake icing, or even a quiche in the perfect dinosaur shape.

The continued innovative process in food printing is imperative for growth. With more research dedicated toward abundant food sources combined with printing technology, 3D printing could someday play a gigantic role in resolving global hunger.