Trend cluster
Category

Printed
Snack

3D-printed snacks and garnishes become more popular.

3D-Printed Bespoke Protein BarsPastry Chef 3D PrintersEdible Candy 3D PensSushi-Inspired 3D-Printed Confections3D-Printed Valentine's Candies

What's Happening

What is the Printed Snack trend?

Printed Snack: The capabilities of 3D-printing are still being tested, with food brands now offering 3D-printed snacks and desserts that offer a point of interest. Based in both convenience and novelty, these items include everything from garnishes to protein bars.

Insight

The consumer insight behind the Printed Snack trend

Self-proclaimed "foodie" consumers are constantly on the lookout for food and beverage products that offer something new--whether that's an ingredient, a method of production, or an element of sustainability. Consumers who enjoy experimenting with foods turn to brands that are able to pique their interest with one or more of these elements.

Trend themes

Themes within the Printed Snack trend

Three behaviours holding the trend together
01

3D-Printed Edible Products

3D-printing of food creates opportunities for brands to offer consumers unique and memorable experiences that pique their interest.

02

Personalized Nutrition

The ability to customize the ingredients and flavors of 3D-printed food products creates opportunities for brands to offer personalized nutrition options to target a wider range of consumer preferences.

03

Automated Food Production

3D-printing technology offers chefs and food manufacturers the opportunity to automate food production processes, creating significant time and cost savings while also improving the consistency and quality of the final product.

Industry implications

What the Printed Snack trend means for industry

Where the trend changes the playbook
For

Food and Beverage

3D-printing of food products presents significant opportunities for food and beverage manufacturers to differentiate their products by creating unique, personalized and innovative options for consumers.

For

Technology

3D-printing technology continues to offer innovative and disruptive solutions for a wide range of industries, with the potential for widespread use in the food industry as well.

For

Health and Wellness

Personalized nutrition, made possible by 3D-printing of food products, can help support consumers' health and wellness goals by providing tailored nutrition options to match their specific dietary needs and preferences.

Workshop question

How could your brand make customers take notice of its product/service?

Trend signals

Trend signals for Printed Snack

Trend score 5.6 out of 10, from popularity 77%, activity 80%, freshness 13%.

Popularity77%
Activity80%
Freshness13%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
  • Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
  • Gen Z
  • Millennial
  • Gen X
  • Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific

Evidence

Examples of the Printed Snack trend

8 featured examples from Dec 29, 2020 to Mar 24, 2023
3D-Printed Bespoke Protein Bars
CategoryLifestyle

3D-Printed Bespoke Protein Bars

Nourished Launches the First 3D-Printed Vegan Protein Bar Range

There is an opportunity for food technology companies to explore the use of 3D printing to create customizable protein bars and other food options.

Pastry Chef 3D Printers
CategoryLifestyle

Pastry Chef 3D Printers

The Digital Pâtisserie Patiss3 Food 3D Printer Prepares Premium Sweets

The Patiss3 food 3D printer could be used in commercial kitchens and catering services in the food and hospitality industry, enabling faster production without sacrificing quality.

Edible Candy 3D Pens
CategoryLifestyle

Edible Candy 3D Pens

The Polaroid CandyPlay 3D Pen Uses Sugar-Free Candy Cartridges

Incorporating 3D printing technology to produce and customize food products according to customer's liking, improving the delivery of personalized food experiences.

Sushi-Inspired 3D-Printed Confections
CategoryLifestyle

Sushi-Inspired 3D-Printed Confections

Sugar Lab Has Launched the Stunning Sushi Roll Bonbons

Traditional bakeries face disruption from the rise of 3D-printed confections that offer unique designs and flavors.

3D-Printed Valentine's Candies
CategoryLifestyle

3D-Printed Valentine's Candies

Sugar Lab is Reinventing Candy Hearts, Strawberries & More

Companies in this industry can utilize 3D printing technology to create customizable and appealing food products for special events and celebrations, disrupting the traditional fo…

3D-Printed Dessert Shells
CategoryLifestyle

3D-Printed Dessert Shells

Sugar Labs' Printed Treats Help to Create Elevated Treats at Home

Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating 3D printing technology into the culinary industry allows for the creation of novel dessert experiences and opens up new possibilitie…

3D-Printed Cheesecakes
CategoryLifestyle

3D-Printed Cheesecakes

Researchers Created a Seven-Ingredient Cheesecake Slice with a 3D Printer

Food manufacturers can utilize 3D-printing technology to create new, customizable food products with unique flavors and textures.

3D-Printed Drink Garnishes
CategoryLifestyle

3D-Printed Drink Garnishes

Sugar Lab Printed a Pumpkin Spice Treat to Top Off Seasonal Drinks

The hospitality industry can utilize 3D printing technology to add unique and personalized touches to their food and drink offerings, enhancing the customer experience.