OU kosher-certified companies are highly vested in 3D food printing to create and replicate the best quality alternative proteins.
In conjunction with AI, 3D printing is changing the food landscape. Algorithms calculate the best tastes, textures and nutritional profiles, and those components are inserted into a 3D printer that delivers a perfect product. Once created, it’s easily replicated. 3D food printing factories already exist, and it’s being widely used in the alternative protein market. ADM and Cargill are two OU kosher-certified companies heavily focused on alternative proteins. Health, crop models and precise tastes all pair with 3D printing.
Alternative Proteins
Many OU kosher-certified companies are on the cutting edge of producing new alternative proteins, two examples being ADM and Cargill who are very active in this area. Pea proteins have especially been popular in the past few years. Society now demands plant-based substitutes for most eating categories. These alternatives mimic the tastes of conventional proteins, but without the fat.
3D food printing has become pivotal in this area. Once the correct ratios are determined to achieve the optimum flavor, texture and health properties, a 3D printer produces it with precision. Customization and consumer satisfaction have become a reality.
Crops
AI has the capacity to collect all data necessary to predict what the crop yields will look like. Now, AI can also collect data of a plant and a 3D printer can recreate it. Recreating a physical model of a plant enables further study. In regard to this research, Phys.org quoted data scientist, Chris Armit, who said, “…it would be fantastic to see this approach tested on other crops such as rice or African orphan crops, where there is a need for low-cost phenotyping solutions.”
The Nutrition Profile
One area where 3D printing is being extensively used is in elder care facilities. Pinpointing nutritional needs for this population is seen as paramount and 3D printing can deliver that. On the healthcare front, preventative care is the wave of the future, and 3D printing can create and replicate the foods needed to achieve optimum health.
Kosher
Specificity captures the kosher world. It’s the reason so many companies want the OU symbol, as it stands for traceability, quality control and supervision. 3D printing will be a welcome technology for kosher as it embodies accuracy.
The Future
With AI and 3D food printing, there’s no limit to the future. Foods will be created with the best ingredients, tastes, textures and nutrition, with easy replication. Specialization brings success and manufacturers will be able to reach their desired goals.
Conclusion
3D food printing is changing how food is produced. Precision manufacturing is now possible, and the alternative protein market is benefiting greatly from this technology. Health, study of 3D printed crops and unique tastes are all advancing due to this AI counterpart.