# Sculptural Chocolate Printers The 'XOCO' 3D Printer Uses Chocolate as Ink By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-05-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xoco References: [design-milk](http://design-milk.com/xoco-chocolate-3d-printer/) 'XOCO' is the name of an inventive [3D printer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loop-concept) from the Michiel Cornelissen Ontwerp design studio, which uses chocolate in place of traditional printing filaments or inks. Using the 3D printing machine begins with an app, in which a user is able to model a sculptural chocolate design to be executed by the machine. The printing unit itself takes the form of a system that sits under an artful glass cloche. The XOCO is a perfect example of how app-connected devices and [3D food printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reishi-mushroom-printable-material) may be introduced to creative at-home chefs and hobbyists who are interested in the future of food creation. It's also conceivable that this artful device could be a showpiece itself in restaurant settings, capable of creating [bespoke desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ed-ruscha-x-andsons) before the eyes of onlookers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 93% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **3D Food Printers:** The 'XOCO' 3D printer showcases the potential of 3D printers in the food industry, creating opportunities for customized and innovative food creations. - **App-connected Devices:** App-connected devices like the XOCO present disruptive innovation opportunities in the kitchen, allowing users to easily design and execute sculptural chocolate creations. - **Artful Food Presentation:** The XOCO's ability to create bespoke desserts in a visually captivating way opens up possibilities for enhancing the dining experience in restaurant settings. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can explore the use of 3D food printers, such as the XOCO, to cater to customization and artistic food presentation trends. - **Consumer Electronics:** The development of app-connected devices like the XOCO presents opportunities for the consumer electronics industry to integrate smart technology into home kitchens. - **Hospitality and Culinary Arts:** Restaurants and culinary establishments can leverage the XOCO's artful food presentation capabilities to create unique and visually appealing dessert experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Printed Low-Fat Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/low-fat-chocolates.md) - [Chromatic AI Food Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikoffy-edibot.md) - [Pastry Chef 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-3d-printer.md) - [Spiced 3D-Printed Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pumpkin-spice-latte-chocolates.md) - [Edible Ink Confectionery Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edible-ink-printer.md) - [Edible Sugar Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chefdoodler.md) - [3D-Printed Cocoa Drops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocoa-drop.md) - [3D Printer Food Extruders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printer-food-extruder.md) - [3D-Printed Valentine's Day Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valentines-day-bonbons.md)