Food 3D printer could end people’s reliance on mass-produced food (video)

11 Nov 2014

A 3D printed Natural Machines salad inspired by Aalto Vase. Image via Natural Machines

The future of home cooking could reside within a 3D printer in peoples’ kitchens. That is if Natural Machines succeeds with the development of its microwave oven-sized food 3D printer.

As one of the most exciting areas of innovation, 3D printing has captured the minds of many as a potential game changer for the way we consume, and even produce, household items.

However, when it comes to the idea of 3D printing food, it is fair to say many consumers are as concerned as they are curious.

Appearing at this year’s Web Summit in Dublin, Natural Machines drew a lot of interest for its Foodini machine, which can combine five ingredients at once to make a variety of different foods, from pizzas to biscuits.

According to the company’s CMO and co-founder, Lynette Kuscma, the concept of 3D-printed food is actually one that aims to take on the mass-produced food market, particularly its preference for using preservatives and other chemicals, which may not be particularly healthy.

Speaking to Siliconrepublic.com, Kuscma said 3D-printed food could bring food production back to the kitchen.

“We’ve become too reliant on processed, packaged pre-made foods loaded with additives and preservatives … so our proposition is to get people back into the kitchen, make those same foods with a 3D printer, which you can do faster and easier than you can by hand.”

The Web Summit 2014: Interview with Lynette Kucsma of Natural Machines

The Web Summit 2014: Interview with Lynette Kucsma of Natural Machines

Colm Gorey was a senior journalist with Silicon Republic

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