Exploring the Integration of 3D Printing into the Restaurant Industry with Moodbytes

Food 3D printing is an emerging technology that enables chefs and restaurants to create unique, personalized dishes. It is already being used in some avant-garde and fine-dining restaurants to create intricately shaped, visually stunning dishes that would be difficult to achieve using traditional methods. In addition to their aesthetic value, food 3D printers can also offer practical benefits for the preparation and presentation of dishes. What’s more, this is an evolving technology that is set to become more accessible and affordable in the future. That’s why interesting companies and initiatives have sprung up to promote this manufacturing method in the food service sector; Moodbytes is one of them. We spoke to its CEO and founder to find out more about their use of food 3D printing.

3DN: Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your connection with 3D technologies?

My name is Marcio Barradas and I’m the CEO and founder of Moodbytes and FoodInk, one of the world’s first 3D printed food restaurants. 3D printing of food opens up a new way to bring FoodTech and FoodDesign together, using technology to develop the artistic and culinary creativity of chefs and artists themselves. Our customers came to the restaurant not only to eat, but also to experience different and delicious dishes created by renowned chefs from healthy and tasty ingredients. I’ve been using 3D technologies for 7 years, so I have a wealth of experience that I’ve shown to consumers and the food industry at the gastronomic events I’ve attended.

3DN: What is Moodbytes, and how did the idea for the company come about?

Moodbytes is a company dedicated to innovation in the world of gastronomy, researching, developing and implementing the latest trends and technologies related to the world of food, striving to improve all processes, from cultivation to consumption, creating a more sustainable and intelligent future for gastronomy. We use an innovative methodology that enables us to combine modern technologies with personal care and food.

At the same time, it helps us to support and motivate improved health, pleasure and personalization. It all started with Foodink, the first company to manufacture 3D-printed meals using the latest technologies in 2015. It had a global media impact as we had over 35 million views, publications in over 75 renowned media and over 3,000 people on the waiting list for Food Ink meals. Subsequently, in 2017, Moodbytes started up as a company after all the experience of FoodInk as a representative image of innovation in gastronomy around the world.

3DN: How are you using food 3D printing, and can you tell us more about Moodbytes’ latest projects?

We utilize Foodini, a pioneering food 3D printer, facilitating cooking with wholesome, natural ingredients. As the initial 3D printer capable of printing an array of foods, from savory to sweet, Foodini leverages real, fresh ingredients. Equipped with vacant stainless steel food capsules, it broadens chefs’ creative horizons, swiftly converting ideas into distinctive, intriguing, and mouth-watering dishes, that can easily be replicated for numerous guests. Utilizing a food DNA test lets us access the users’ genetic framework, aiding us in discerning the foods best suited for them, and consequently, enables us to craft the ideal modern meal. Furthermore, it empowers us to customize food according to our individual needs.

3D printers streamline all complex processes in the chocolate-making journey that generally need more dedicated time and investment, such as design, trial, and error. Regardless of your chocolate preference, be it 90%, 75%, 45% cocoa, milk, or white, you can envision and print it either at home or in the office. Currently, we’re proud to provide automated processes in the kitchen, allowing you to replicate the same recipe as many times as preferred, and even preparing the same dish with different ingredients. Our ally in this endeavor is Natural Machines, a firm producing 3D printers, which has facilitated us in creating some phenomenal meals using our freeze-dried powders. In 2023, we took part in several food events, such as WEP in KAUST and Dare2Change in Porto, where we showcased to all attendees how 3D printing technology could serve as a recycling solution for food waste.

Moodbytes is relentlessly working to popularize food 3D printing.

3DN: What does this method offer as compared to traditional cooking? Are there any constraints?

The benefits of food 3D printing are quickly becoming apparent for haute cuisine, as it enables experimentation with shapes and flavors and differentiation from the competition. The food customization offered by 3D printing can prove invaluable to all sectors. Chefs such as Paco Pérez, Paco Morales, Davide Oldani, Sergi and David Torres have already implemented these technologies in their Michelin-starred restaurants. Thanks to 3D printing, we can tailor food to our tastes. We can also know what we’re eating and make sure it’s balanced and has no side effects.

Thanks to 3D printers, we can also choose exactly what we want to ingest into our bodies, using the ingredients we like. We now have the ability to store, concentrate and preserve food in a new, safer, more sustainable and personalized way. We can deliver essential nutrients to every person, in the healthiest way possible. Moodbytes offers a new experience in the way people relate to food. When it comes to babies, we can offer parents the ability to print purées of any flavor, creating the textures their children prefer. In this way, you can enjoy a personalized, healthy diet.

This method has two limitations: economics and energy. For the 3D printing machine to work, it has to be permanently plugged in. That’s why we’re still working on environmentally-friendly energy solutions. What’s more, it’s an expensive technology.

3DN: How do you see the future of additive manufacturing in the culinary field?

Right now, we’re striving to find products that are somehow natural rather than processed, so that we can replace what has been created so far with something natural that has at least the same properties, the end result being more or less the same in terms of texture, technological characteristics. And this has advantages, or at least no negative impact on our health.

3DN: Any last words for our readers?

At Moodbytes, we believe that by using 3D printing technology, we can create a more sustainable and personalized approach to food production and consumption. We are committed to continuing our research and development work in this area, and hope to inspire others to join us on this journey towards a healthier, more sustainable and more delicious future. We thank you for your interest in our work and hope to see you soon at one of our events. To find out more, click HERE.

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