Nestle reveals secret project to build food 'replicator' that can create personalised meals to give people exactly the nutrients they need

Firm developing a machine that bosses describe as 'the next microwave'

Would create personalised supplements and food from nutrient capsules



Aims to create a kitchen 'replicator' within five years

Nespresso machine have taken the coffee world by storm - and now Nestle hopes a new food making system could have a similar effect on the way we eat.

The firm is developing a 'food replicator' that bosses describe as 'the next microwave'.

It will deliver meals personalised for each user, with exactly the right balance of nutrients they need for a healthy diet.

The next Nespresso: Nestle is developing a 'food replicator' that bosses describe as 'the next microwave'.

HOW IT WORKS The Nestle machine would work by first testing the person for a variety of nutrients and other health factors - such as diabetes or obesity. This would results in a 'nutrient profile' for the person, showing exactly what their diet is lacking - for instance, zinc or vitamin D. Nutrients would be supplied in a powder form, possibly in capsule like the Nespresso system. A 'replicator' machine could then create food infused with the nutrients, or even a shake or vitamin tablet.



According to Bloomberg, Nestle’s Institute of Health Sciences is developing a system that can test people's health and work out what nutrients they are missing.

Codenamed 'Iron Man', the project will eventually lead to a kitchen machine that can create tailored supplements - or even food.



'Iron Man is an analysis of what’s missing in our diets, and a product, tailored to you, to help make up that difference,' NIHS director Ed Baetge told Bloomeberg.

'In the past, food was just food. We’re going in a new direction.'

The Nestle machine would work by first testing the person for a variety of nutrients and other health factors - such as diabetes or obesity.

Nestle bosses hope their Iron Man device could be 'the next microwave'

This would results in a 'nutrient profile' for the person, showing exactly what their diet is lacking - for instance, zinc or vitamin D.

Nutrients would be supplied in a powder form, possibly in capsule like the Nespresso system.

Baetge says the final device,expeected in 5-10 years, could resemble the replicator' that synthesized meals on demand in Star Trek.

'Out comes your food at the press of a button,' Baetge said.



'If we do this right, it can be the next microwave in your kitchen.'



