ABSTRACT

This chapter addresses the topic of three-dimensional (3D) printed food – edible products fabricated using digital devices and software – and its implications for food activism. It presents some finding from the qualitative study into Australian consumers' attitudes and responses to the idea of 3D food printing. The chapter focuses on two 'promissory narratives' of 3D printed food: reducing waste and enhancing environmental sustainability; and alleviating world hunger. In discussions of the possibilities of 3D food printing, the interests of the agri-food and digital technologies industries, researchers into food ways, agriculture and food science and food activists have converged. The responses revealed that the factors of the taste of food, its quality, healthiness/nutritious qualities and freshness and its price or value for money were the most important when participants were making their health choices. Enhancing environmental sustainability and alleviating world hunger by using alternative food sources raised another set of issues.