Comparison of 3D printed and molded carrots produced with gelatin, guar gum and xanthan gum

This study examined the effects of different hydrocolloids (guar gum, xanthan gum and gelatin) on the sensory and textural properties of pureed carrots. There were eight products involved in the study; 3D printed carrots and molded carrots without the addition of gums and with guar gum, xanthan gum and gelatin. All products were evaluated using trained panelists (n = 12) and underwent a texture profile analysis. No significant differences were found between the molded and 3D printed pureed carrots; instead, the samples were grouped based on the gum used in their production. The samples made with gelatin and xanthan gum were the hardest (texture profile analysis) and the densest samples when evaluated by the trained panelists. The 3D printing did not affect the taste properties of the pureed carrots, as they were evaluated to be similar to that of the molded carrots (p > .05). This study demonstrated that 3D printing did not affect the textural and sensory properties of pureed carrots when compared to molded carrots. However, changes in the printing parameters (infill percentage, nozzle diameter, flow rate, nozzle height) need to be evaluated to determine their effect on the sensory properties of 3D printed pureed carrots.