Future meals - Customized, 3D printed foods for elderly and others with swallowing disorders
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - Jordbruk och Livsmedel, Göteborg |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 4 161 375 |
| Project duration | May 2018 - December 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Challenge-driven innovation - Phase 2 Collaboration |
Purpose and goal
Through new and appetizing texture adjusted foods and a concept for customized meals the project has contributed to decreased malnutrition and increased joy of life. The project has developed technology and ingredients for 3D printing of natural looking timbals with improved flavor, as well as identified technical solutions and business models that are suitable for implementation. An assessment of needs built the foundation for a digital tool for customized meals which takes personal preferences into account and enables improved communication between care and kitchen units.
Expected results and effects
Increased food intake due to attractive and varied dysphagia foods, reflected by reduced malnutrition, improved quality of life and lower health care costs. Customization of meals and improved communication between care and kitchen units. New timbals with more natural looking and complex shapes and improved flavors 3D printing technology for kitchen use -further development needed before implementation Need assessment and tool for customization of meals Business models assessment Collected feedback from stakeholders as a base for further development and implementation
Planned approach and implementation
The innovative concept to place 3D printers in commercial kitchens to supply care units with attractive, adapted and customized dysphagia meals was developed and evaluated. Meal customization and follow-up for elderly proved to be very important, no matter how the food is produced, and the project steered towards this. 3D printing technology and printable foods were developed but is judged to have a way to go before implementation, even though quicker 3D solutions were identified. It was crucial to involve end users in the project work to navigate the project in the right direction.