Nutri3D: Italy develops nutrient-rich 3D-printed snacks from plant cell cultures and fruit residues

Food from 3D printers is slowly making its way from research into initial applications. Examples include 3D-printed pasta from Barilla and plant-based fish products from Revo Foods. The Italian project NUTRI3D, on the other hand, is clearly focused on development work with the aim of producing particularly nutritious and customizable micro-portions.

NUTRI3D is coordinated by ENEA, the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development. The project is supported by the CREA research center. The focus is on bite-sized snacks, such as bars and spherical “honey pearls.” By-products from fruit processing, combined with plant cell cultures, serve as the raw material. According to the project managers, this combination should help to secure nutrition even as resources become scarcer.

Printing is done using a prototype developed by the technology company EltHub. The “ink” is based on fruit residues such as apple peels and is enriched with plant cells. According to the researchers, this improves the texture and juiciness. ENEA science coordinator Silvia Massa describes plant cell agriculture and 3D printing as a strategic approach to producing sustainable and healthy food from agricultural by-products. In the Reuters article, Massa also emphasizes that the aim is not to grow whole plants, but to use their cells in a targeted manner.

The participants cite supply scenarios with limited resources, such as in space or in crisis regions, as possible areas of application. On Earth, the project sees potential for customized nutrient profiles, for example for people with special dietary requirements.

Regarding acceptance, ENEA refers to an online survey with more than 400 participants. According to the survey, 59 percent would be willing to buy food from plant cell cultures and 3D printing. Others cite a lack of information as the main obstacle. ENEA researcher Paola Sangiorgio concludes that education and transparent communication can significantly increase the appeal of such products.