Dutch meals 3D printing firm Gastronology has begun large-scale manufacturing of 3D printed meals designed for folks with dysphagia, a situation that makes chewing and swallowing troublesome.
Working with contract producer Budelfood B.V. in Poortvliet, the Dutch firm rolled out its first industrial batches in April final yr. Branded as Dysphalicious, these meals had been initially equipped to hospitals and healthcare establishments.
Following elevated demand from residence customers and caregivers, Gastronology has expanded entry to its meals by on-line supply platform QSTA, the place orders will be positioned at any time. Merchandise are delivered frozen in containers containing 20 or 22 parts, every weighing 50 g. A specifically designed plate and matching lid, required for correct preparation, will be bought alongside the meals.
“This has quite a few optimistic results on their bodily and psychological well-being and that makes us extraordinarily passionate about what we’re doing. Having the ability to make a major contribution at a social and societal degree is a large motivation,” stated Peter Nieuwkerk, Founder and CEO at Gastronology.
Entry to protected and nutritious meals
Dysphalicious meals are created from contemporary, domestically sourced greens and potatoes. Elements are floor right into a easy paste and formed utilizing meals 3D printing.
The ensuing dishes are designed to be visually recognizable and meet the IDDSI Stage 4 normal, which ensures a consistency appropriate for folks with average dysphagia. In line with the corporate, the goal is to offer a substitute for conventional puréed or gel-based meals, which frequently lack style, scent, and visible attraction.
The present vary contains eight plant-based gadgets: cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, backyard pea, haricot verts, candy potato, potato, and beetroot. Gastronology plans so as to add meat-based choices later within the yr. In line with 3DPrintMagazine, Nieuwkerk famous that many sufferers are restricted to meals that’s useful however unappealing. Consequently, the Dutch firm desires to make nutritious and appetizing choices extra extensively obtainable.
To help broader distribution, Gastronology intends to extend its manufacturing capability from 700 kgs per day to 2,500 kgs per day over the approaching years. The corporate’s objective is to make its meals accessible to extra folks affected by dysphagia, whether or not they’re in medical settings or dwelling at residence.
Exploring new instructions in meals 3D printing
Because the meals 3D printing panorama evolves, different developments together with different proteins and novel manufacturing methods have additionally been explored.
Not too long ago, Austrian meals expertise firm Revo Meals launched EL BLANCO, a 3D printed plant-based different to black cod created from mycoprotein and microalgae oils. Developed utilizing a low-temperature extrusion course of, the product mimics the flaky, tender texture of fish fillets whereas providing excessive fiber, Omega-3s, and all important amino acids.
In comparison with Revo’s earlier salmon different, EL BLANCO is softer and fewer processed. Being produced at Revo’s The Style Manufacturing facility, it’s now obtainable throughout Europe by retailers like BILLA AG, gurkerl.at, knuspr.de, and Revo Meals’ on-line retailer, which ships to a number of international locations.
One other novel strategy was launched by Hong Kong College of Science and Expertise (HKUST) researchers who developed a single-step meals 3D printing methodology that concurrently prints and cooks meals utilizing laser-induced graphene (LIG) infrared heating. Not like conventional programs that require post-print cooking, this strategy enhances precision, power effectivity, and meals security.
Working at simply 14 watts, it maintains exact floor temperatures and minimizes bacterial development. Checks on starch-based cookie dough confirmed improved structural consistency in comparison with oven-baked samples. Though nonetheless beneath growth, this growth holds potential to be used in eating places, bakeries, and healthcare settings requiring custom-made and hygienic meals preparation.
Take the 3DPI Reader Survey — form the way forward for AM reporting in beneath 5 minutes.
What 3D printing developments do you have to be careful for in 2025?
How is the way forward for 3D printing shaping up?
To remain updated with the newest 3D printing information, don’t overlook to subscribe to the 3D Printing Business e-newsletter or observe us on Twitter, or like our web page on Fb.
Whilst you’re right here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? That includes dialogue, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.
Featured picture reveals a variety of Dysphalicious meals. Photograph through Gastronology.
