The 3D food printing pyramid of gastronomy: A structured approach towards a future research agenda

Abstract

So far, research in the field of 3D food printing (3DFP) has mainly been focused on the technical aspects related to the print and current applications have largely been limited to the presentation of individual food items. Studies into the implications of 3DFP on e.g. nutrition or the potential for sustainability are limited, and like the technical aspects, only approached from their own research domain. As a result, the research landscape of 3DFP is fragmented, and to reach its full potential, requires a holistic view to elevate current use cases of 3DFP into one comprehensive framework. In this paper we provide a discourse of identified opportunities and challenges related to the implementation of 3DFP in gastronomy to date. Based on this, a comprehensive framework for 3DFP is presented: the 3D Food Printing Pyramid of Gastronomy. We distinguish 3 levels: Level 1) Technical advancements of food through 3DFP, Level 2) Personalized nutrition and gastronomy through 3DFP, Level 3) Sustainable gastronomic experiences through 3DFP. By presenting this structured approach, we aim to address current shortcomings in the fragmented research landscape and pave the way towards richer gastronomic experiences through 3DFP that contribute to the sustainable development of our society.