Italy develops lab-grown snacks with 3D printing

Italian scientists are developing nutrient-rich, sweet snacks using lab-cultivated plant cells and fruit byproducts, with a 3D printer shaping the material into edible forms. The Nutri3D project by research agency ENEA seeks sustainable food solutions even as Italy's traditional cuisine earns UNESCO status.

Prototypes like snack bars and "honey pearls" aim to preserve taste and nutrition. "In a world where arable land is shrinking... the goal is to keep making what we are used to eating," said ENEA's Silvia Massa, noting the focus is on growing plant cells, not whole plants. While Northern Europe led initial efforts, Massa says Italy adds creativity by combining cellular food with recovered by-products like jam residues.

The project collaborates with tech firm EltHub and organic food company Rigoni di Asiago. At EltHub's Abruzzo facility, ENEA's plant-based "inks" are 3D-printed into shapes. An ENEA survey found 59% of people willing to try such foods.

The technology has potential for extreme environments. EltHub's director called the snacks "fruit for astronauts," useful in space or conflict zones. ENEA is also testing microgreens and nano-tomatoes for space cultivation. On Earth, 3D food printing could enable customized nutrition, with a Rome steakhouse already serving 3D-printed plant-based meat.

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Source: REUTERS