Astronauts like those in the Expedition 28 crew could one day be eating food printed in 3D (Picture: Reuters)

A Texas company is developing a 3D food printer for astronauts to create custom meals at the click of a button.

Spurred on by Nasa investment, Systems and Materials Research Corp of Austin is constructing a food printer that will work in space.

As long as it has an extended shelf life, the American company says astronauts will be able to ‘print’ nutritionally rich synthetic meals which look and taste great.

In a proposal to Nasa, Systems and Materials wrote: ‘The 3D printing system will provide hot and quick food in addition to personalised nutrition, flavour and taste.’


Japan’s Nissin food products made instant noodles for astronauts in 2005 (Picture: YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images)

Digital recipes blend powdered proteins, starches, fats and flavours with water or oil.



Future applications of food printing include use by the military and, eventually, even the general population, who could be able to print out meals designed around their personal tastes and nutrition programmes from cartridges of powder and oils bought at the corner shop.

The technology could also, according to the developer, spell the end of food waste, because the powdery ingredients’ shelf life should last for up to 30 years.

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