Modelling the intention to purchase 3D food printers among Chinese households

Purpose Three-dimensional (3D) food printers are revolutionizing food production with personalized, sustainable and efficient meal creation. This study aims to explore the factors driving consumer intentions to purchase three-dimensional (3D) food printers. These innovative devices are gaining popularity for their ability to produce intricate, customizable food designs with remarkable precision and convenience. By leveraging the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework, the research examines key variables such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions (FCD), hedonic motivation and perceived product value. The aim is to understand how these factors shape consumer behavior and decision-making, providing insights into the adoption dynamics of 3D food printers for professional and domestic use. Design/methodology/approach This study collected 973 valid responses through an online survey. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings Performance expectancy, social influence and perceived product value significantly enhance consumers’ intention to purchase 3D food printers. In contrast, effort expectancy, FCD and hedonic motivation show no statistically significant impact on their usage intention. Research limitations/implications Companies in the 3D food printing industry should prioritize improving product performance and leveraging social influencers to spark consumer interest. Educating the public about the benefits of 3D food printing is essential for building market acceptance and demand. Governments should contemplate implementing policies and regulations encouraging companies to invest in research and development in this field. This study acknowledges its limitations and recommends directions for future research. Originality/value This study establishes its originality by integrating hedonic motivation and perceived product value with the original UTAUT framework to investigate Chinese households’ intentions to use a 3D food printer.