For several years, there has been a buzz around meatless meat. Food technologists have long been trying to produce meat from plants, in an all-out effort to please vegans. We have reported in the past Several such attempts But now, with the advent of artificial intelligence and 3D food printing, many champions of food technology have emerged, including, He cooksa Spanish technology institution stands out.
He cooks It aims to transform the food industry by providing innovative and unique solutions that benefit consumer health and environmental sustainability.
What makes it unique? “We are the first company in the world that has been able to do this on an industrial scale, rather than on a pilot scale.” He says Co-founder of Cocuus Patxi larumbe “Secondly, our tradition is total.”
The startup's industrial solutions are designed to revolutionize the production process and offer attractive and nutritious alternatives to traditional food options. Vegetarians and vegans can benefit more from a steak that isn't actually a steak. despite of Lab-grown meat is a sustainable choice. It has not been linked to 3D printing before. They specialize in developing advanced methods, such as 2D and 3D laser printing, bioprinting, and mechatronics, to create animal, plant, or cellular protein analogues known as food mimetics.
Startups like Cocuus are raising the bar by developing plant-based meat alternatives that closely resemble the look, taste, texture, and flavor of traditional animal meat.
But Kokos is not alone. This is turning into a race between food tech startups across Europe, America, and even China. Here are some notable examples:
- Redefining meat is revolutionizing the way we think about consuming meat by developing innovative technology that produces animal-free meat.
- Dutch startup byFlow is dedicated to developing 3D food printing technology, specifically designed for chefs, restaurants and caterers. Their innovative web-based platform serves as a valuable tool for clients, enabling them to easily create unique, custom 3D food designs.
- BeeHex, a US-based startup, offers innovative solutions for food preparation and customization through the use of the latest 3D printing and robotics technologies. The company specializes in providing fast and efficient personalized food options, using scalable systems that can adapt to each customer's unique requirements.
- Shiyin Technology, a startup based in China, offers 3D food printers that meet consumer needs. These innovative devices use artificial intelligence (AI) to verify input recipes with a cloud database before starting the printing process.
How does 3D printing work?
At its core, 3D printing is… Additive manufacturing process It involves deposition of materials layer by layer to create 3D objects. In the 3D printed food case practical It starts with creating a digital model using specialized software. This model is then translated into instructions that guide you A 3D printer deposits edible materials in a pre-defined pattern.
The printer uses a variety of edible ingredients, such as dough, chocolate, or sugar, which are extruded through a nozzle or syringe-like device. these The materials are carefully layered, building the desired shape and structure of the food item. The precision of the printer allows for intricate designs and complex geometries that were previously impossible to achieve by hand.
Although the technology itself is complex, the concept is relatively simple: Design, slide and print. With advances in 3D printing technology, the possibilities for creating edible masterpieces are endless.
Benefits of 3D printing on food
The benefits of 3D printed foods extend beyond their ability to create visually stunning dishes. One of the main benefits is the level of customization it offers. Using 3D printing, chefs and consumers can easily design meals to meet specific dietary needs and preferences, making it an attractive option for vegetarians.
in addition to, 3D printed food can address the problem of food waste. By accurately portioning ingredients, food can be prepared in precise quantities, reducing leftovers and reducing waste. This not only benefits the environment but also helps save costs in commercial kitchens.
In addition to, 3D printing allows the creation of complex materials And structures that can enhance the overall dining experience.
according to condition In The Guardian, while Cocuus' bacon and foie gras are made using a dense plant-based mixture, their steak consists of purebred beef sourced from 50kg of meat that would otherwise be discarded or reused as cat food during the cow slaughter process. The marbling in steak is made from a blend of vegetables, resulting in a significantly lower amount of saturated fat than traditional marbling.
3D printed foods: remaining challenges
While 3D printed foods hold tremendous potential, they also face many challenges and limitations.
One major hurdle is the cost associated with the technology. 3D printers capable of handling food materials can be expensive, making them inaccessible to many individuals and small organizations.
In addition, the cost of edible materials and the time required for printing can be important factors to consider.
Another challenge is the taste and texture of 3D printed foods, because the final product may not always match the taste and texture of traditionally prepared foods.
Furthermore, food safety and hygiene are top concerns when it comes to 3D printed food.
Related articles: Bullfight between plant-based meat and beef | Could veganism miss the mark? The issue of conscious meat. | Is lab-grown meat better for the environment? | Is plant-based meat really good? | Food waste, food loss, and hungry Americans | The future of food: reducing waste Can we fix our 'broken' diets?
Cocuus has set an ambition Goal To manufacture up to 1,000 tons of vegan bacon using 3D printing technology by 2024. This will take place in their newly opened manufacturing facility located in northern Spain.
The facility is specifically designed to mass-produce alternative proteins, which will be available for purchase in supermarkets and other distribution channels.
In October 2023, Cook successfully Launched 3D printed vegan bacon Under the Foody brand, nearly 400 Carrefour supermarkets in Spain stock the product.
according to Meatpoultry.comAt present, Cocuus manufactures 250kg of vegan bacon per hour using just one machine at its facility. They have plans to expand their operations in the future and introduce large-scale production of vegan tuna and vegan shrimp.
A bright future for 3D printed food?
3D printed food is poised to revolutionize the food industry and redefine the dining experience. From personalized meals tailored to individual nutritional needs to visually stunning creations that push the boundaries of culinary art, this technology offers endless possibilities.
While there are still challenges to overcome, such as cost, taste and safety considerations, the potential benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
As 3D printing technology continues to evolve and become more accessible, we can expect to see its widespread adoption. Cocuus appears poised to play a central role at the heart of this attempt to create innovation at scale.
The future of food is shaped by innovation, and 3D printed food is at the forefront of this culinary revolution.
Get ready to taste the future!
Editor's note: The opinions expressed by the authors here are their own, and not those of Impakter.com — Featured photo credit: Victoria Chase.
