# Printed Snack 3D-printed snacks and garnishes become more popular. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Jun 28, 2022 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/printed-snack ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.6/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## 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. ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 29, 2020 to Mar 24, 2023 - Published: Jun 28, 2022 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Printed Snack trend ### 3D-Printed Edible Products 3D-printing of food creates opportunities for brands to offer consumers unique and memorable experiences that pique their interest. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Printed Snack trend means for industry ### 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 for Printed Snack Trend score 5.6 out of 10, from popularity 77%, activity 80%, freshness 13%. - Popularity: 77% - Activity: 80% - Freshness: 13% ## Examples of the Printed Snack trend 8 featured examples from Dec 29, 2020 to Mar 24, 2023. - [3D-Printed Bespoke Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nourished): Nourished Launches the First 3D-Printed Vegan Protein Bar Range (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-3d-printer): The Digital Pâtisserie Patiss3 Food 3D Printer Prepares Premium Sweets (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polaroid-candyplay-3d-pen): The Polaroid CandyPlay 3D Pen Uses Sugar-Free Candy Cartridges (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-confections): Sugar Lab Has Launched the Stunning Sushi Roll Bonbons (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Traditional bakeries face disruption from the rise of 3D-printed confections that offer unique designs and flavors. - [3D-Printed Valentine's Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valentines-candies): Sugar Lab is Reinventing Candy Hearts, Strawberries & More (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dessert-shell): Sugar Labs' Printed Treats Help to Create Elevated Treats at Home (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-cheesecake): Researchers Created a Seven-Ingredient Cheesecake Slice with a 3D Printer (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Food manufacturers can utilize 3D-printing technology to create new, customizable food products with unique flavors and textures. - [3D-Printed Drink Garnishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drink-garnish): Sugar Lab Printed a Pumpkin Spice Treat to Top Off Seasonal Drinks (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The hospitality industry can utilize 3D printing technology to add unique and personalized touches to their food and drink offerings, enhancing the customer experience. ## Recent trend clusters - [Gentle Diagnostics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/home-heart-screening) (Lifestyle) - [Targeted Macros](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-protein-ingredients) (Lifestyle) - [Flavor Borrowing](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/soft-drink-flavor-mashups) (Lifestyle) - [Silent Triage](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/passive-health-wearables) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Holiday-Inspired Potato Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-inspired-potato-chips) - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Fashionable Frozen Yogurts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aritzias-aok-caf) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)