A Review on 3D Food Printing Technology in Food Processing

Abstract

The review's objectives were to discuss the understanding of 3D food printing technology, a new way of manufacturing foods, and how this technology can be applicable in the food processing industry. The 3D food printing provides a wide domain of food and nutrition-based applications. The different three-dimensional shapes of a food can be developed without the utilization of any mold by using 3D printing technology. Many industries use this technology to manufacture many distinct products. However, utilizing this technology in food processing to manufacture new foods, such as plant-based meat analogues, represents a new trend. So, it is important to understand the principle of the 3D food printing technology for applying this technology in the food processing industry properly. In this review, the mechanism of 3D food printing, evolution of this technology, ingredients compatible for this technology, pros and cons of this technology and the quality evaluation of the 3D printed foods were discussed in detail. Also, the study provided details regarding the available 3D food printers, specifications, and their price. Achieving the exact texture of the 3D printed foods prepared by conventional cooking methods is a steep challenge for this technology. 3D food printers can produce complex food models, and this technology can design unique food patterns. Selection of a printing method is important because a 3D food printing technique can be an extrusion-based printing, selective sintering printing (SLS) method, inkjet printing and binder jetting and each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Pizzas, cookies, chocolates/candies, plant-based meat/fish analogues and many more customized food products can be manufactured using a 3D food printer. Overall, 3D food printing technology has great potential as a cooking method in the food industry.