Shaping the future of food: 3D-Printed personalized nutrition and sustainable production pathways

This review explores the transformative impact of 3D food printing on personalized nutrition and sustainable food production. It provides an overview of foundational printing techniques, such as selective laser sintering, material extrusion, and binder jetting, and examines recent advancements including 4D-6D printing and AI integration. The paper is structured with primary objective of how 3D food printing is reshaping dietary practices by enabling personalized and functional foods, addressing specific health needs like low-sugar or gluten-free diets, creating customized, nutrient-rich foods tailored to individual health needs, ensuring precision in nutrient delivery and enhanced bioavailability. It integrates biometric data for personalized diets while reducing food waste. Technology enhances convenience, accessibility, and food design innovation. Key challenges are discussed, including technical limitations (print speed, material compatibility), as well as social, environmental, economic, and regulatory barriers. The review identifies gaps in current technology and emphasizes the need for more advanced techniques, sustainable materials, and supportive policies. It also explores how AI-driven innovations can overcome these challenges and enhance food production efficiency. Consumer acceptance and market potential are analyzed, with a focus on trends and growth opportunities. The review assesses the environmental benefits of 3D food printing, such as waste reduction and efficient resource use, contributing to more sustainable food production practices. The review’s novelty lies in its comprehensive integration of technological, sustainability, and consumer considerations. It identifies future research directions, discusses regulatory implications, and proposes strategies for integrating 3D food printing into mainstream food systems. By addressing existing research gaps and offering actionable steps, this paper outlines a roadmap for advancing personalized nutrition and sustainable food production through 3D food printing.