# Printed Plant-Based 3D-printing technology has entered the plant-based meat alternative industry. By [Elena Rahman](https://www.trendhunter.com/Elenar) | Published Jun 20, 2022 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/printed-plantbased ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Printed Plant-Based trend? **Printed Plant-Based:** Plant-based meat alternatives are becoming increasingly similar to real meat in texture and flavor due to 3D-printing technology. The technology allows plant-based protein products to mimic meat in its various forms, giving consumers more variety in this food category. ## The consumer insight behind the Printed Plant-Based trend The alternative meat industry is no longer exclusive to those with vegetarian and vegan dietary needs. Meat-eating consumers are turning to plant-based options for health and environmental reasons, which has motivated companies to increase their product innovation. To help consumers adjust to the meatless products, the plant-based food items are taking on a more realistic meat-like texture and flavor that creates a sense of familiarity for those experimenting in this category. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 30, 2020 to Jul 28, 2022 - Published: Jun 20, 2022 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Printed Plant-Based trend ### 3D printing technology in plant-based meat alternative The use of 3D printing technology is enabling plant-based meat alternatives to mimic the texture and flavor of real meat, providing a wider range of options for meat-eating and environmentally-conscious consumers. ### Sensorial parameters refine plant-based meat products Companies are utilizing a range of sensorial parameters, from juiciness and fat distribution to mouthfeel, to create new plant-based meat products that closely mimic the taste and texture of real meat, catering to a broader range of consumers and dietary preferences. ### Companies developing plant-based seafood with 3D printing Innovative companies are using 3D printing technology to create plant-based seafood alternatives with the same nutritional value as real seafood, but without the negative environmental and ethical impacts typically associated with fishing and farming practices. ## What the Printed Plant-Based trend means for industry ### For Food manufacturing Companies in the food manufacturing industry can utilize 3D printing technology and sensorial parameters to create new, innovative plant-based meat products that cater to a broader range of consumers. ### For Sustainable agriculture As the plant-based meat industry grows, companies involved in sustainable agricultural practices can benefit from the increased demand for plant-based ingredients, providing a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional livestock farming methods. ### For Technology and innovation The use of 3D printing technology in the food industry is disrupting traditional manufacturing methods and creating opportunities for technological innovation, such as SavorEat's robot chef that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create customized menu items for diners. ## Workshop question How can your brand adjust its products to accommodate new consumer groups? ## Trend signals for Printed Plant-Based Trend score 4.6 out of 10, from popularity 75%, activity 49%, freshness 12%. - Popularity: 75% - Activity: 49% - Freshness: 12% ## Examples of the Printed Plant-Based trend 6 featured examples from Jun 30, 2020 to Jul 28, 2022. - [3D-Printed Salmon Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salmon-alternative): Revo Foods Makes Vegan Salmon with Pea Protein & Algae Oil (Category: Eco) Implication: The growing demand for plant-based food alternatives presents a significant opportunity to adopt 3D printing technology to create sustainable and healthy seafood alternatives. - [3D-Printed Plant-Based Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/redefine-meats-new-meat): Redefine Meat's 'New Meat' Line Introduces Five Vegan Proteins (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The plant-based meat industry could be disrupted with the introduction of new and customizable alternative ingredients and products using 3D-printing technology. - [Printed Plant-Based Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printed-plant-based-burgers): SavorEat Creates 3D-Printed Plant-Based Pork & Turkey Burgers (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Food-tech companies that incorporate artificial intelligence and plant-based alternatives into their food production processes can innovate the future of food creation, customizat… - [Plant-Based Printed Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printed-meatballs): IKEA is Driving Tech Recruitment with 3D-Printed Vegan Meatballs (Category: Eco) Implication: The intersection of 3D printing and plant-based alternatives is an opportunity for innovation in the food industry. - [3D-Printed Salmon Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salmon-alternatives): Plantish's Plant-Based Salmon Uses Legume Proteins & Algae Extracts (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Plant-based seafood products like the 3D-printed salmon alternative created by Plantish represent an opportunity for innovative food-tech startups to disrupt traditional seafood p… - [3D-Printed Steak Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-steak): Alt-Steak is Made with Patent-Pending 3D Meat Printing Technology (Category: Eco) Implication: The development of Alt-Steak showcases an opportunity for the food technology industry to explore innovative 3D printing technology in the production of alternative protein source… ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)