BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

US Army Looks To 3D Print Food For Soldiers

Following
This article is more than 9 years old.

Food researchers in the US Army are looking into ways to 3D print food for soldiers. According to a press release, Army food technologists say that 3D printed food could produce meals on demand for soldiers in the battlefield.

With 3D technology, food can be tailored to a soldier's nutritional needs. Because the Army's Meal Ready-to-Eat (MRE) standard for food has a shelf life of three years, 3D printing creates new options that could make meals have longer and more stable shelf lives according to Lauren Oleksyk, Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center (NSRDEC).

Earlier this month in December 2014, the pasta company Barilla announced a project and contest to 3D print its pasta. More than 530 national and international product designers submitted entries for new 3D printed pasta that would challenge the concept of the pasta - and make it 3D printable. 

"Printing of food is definitely a burgeoning science," Oleksyk said. "It's currently being done with limited application. People are 3D printing food. In the confectionery industry, they are printing candies and chocolates. Some companies are actually considering 3D printing meat or meat alternatives based on plant products that contain the protein found in meat." 

To print food, cartridges filled with ingredients are deposited layer upon layer and this opens the door to customizable nutrition -- good for the soldier. So part of the investigation into 3D printing food for soldiers is more about the Army food technologists looking to develop 3D printing technology to create nutrient-rich foods that can be eaten on the battlefield or in a warfare environment.

Oleksyk says nutritional requirements could be sent to the 3D food printer and meals printed each soldier's individual dietary requirements.

"If you are lacking in a nutrient, you could add that nutrient. If you were lacking protein, you could add meat to a pizza," Oleksyk added.

Follow me on Twitter