Chocolate 3-D Printer & Hershey: Brave Edible New World!

I reported in 2011 that a chocolate company in the U.K. was using a Chocolate 3-D Printer, but now the megalith Hershey company has struck up a partnership with 3D Systems. The big question: How does it taste?

From 3D Printing Industry:

Last year, 3D Systems knocked the world’s socks off with the ChefJet and ChefJet Pro sugar 3D printers.  The 3D printing company was quickly approached by none other than The Hershey Company, at which point, news fell silent – until about a month ago, when the two unveiled their 3-D Chocolate Candy Printing exhibit at Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction.  The delectable looking chocolate printer showcased in their promo video has now hit the floors of CES.  Dubbed the CocoJet, this chocolate printer can create elaborate shapes in dark, milk, or white chocolate.

Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of 3DS, Chuck Hull, says of the new release, “Our partnership with Hershey, the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and confections, allows us to create unique, exciting and personalized edible experiences. Our preview of CocoJet at CES showcases the power and possibilities of 3D printing, and extends our experience and innovation in culinary 3D printing.”

But does it taste the same?
 




See a video and read more here. 

HT: John Simpson

San Francisco Fancy Food Show: Chocolate

So many Chocolate Products at the San Francisco Fancy Food Show. I'll be doing some reviews in the next week or so, but in the meantime, thought I'd post a few snapshots from yesterday's foray! Chocolate and more Chocolate! Going back today for more!

Napa Cakes Panforte

Chewy's Chocolate Raspberry Rugelach

Seapoint Farms Dark Chocolate Edamame

Dutch Chocolate Sweet Sticks

Chocolate Bytes: July 10

It's been awhile since I did a Chocolate Bytes post. So here's some news!

1. Chocolate 3-D Printer! 

Using new digital technology this printer allows you to create your own designs on a computer and reproduce them physically in three dimensional form in chocolate.

The project is funded as part of the Research Council UK Cross-Research Council Programme - Digital Economy and is managed by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) on behalf of ESRC, AHRC and MRC. It is being led by the University of Exeter in collaboration with the University of Brunel and software developer Delcam.

Research leader Dr Liang Hao, at the University of Exeter, said:

"What makes this technology special is that users will be able to design and make their own products. In the long term it could be developed to help consumers custom- design many products from different materials but we’ve started with chocolate as it is readily available, low cost and non-hazardous. There is also no wastage as any unused or spoiled material can be eaten of course! From reproducing the shape of a child’s favourite toy to a friend’s face, the possibilities are endless and only limited by our creativity".

The printer works like any other additive 3-D printer, building up the design one layer at a time, only this one works with delicious chocolate which can be eaten afterwards. The final goal is to have the printer available to consumers, so they could go into a store with their design and print out a tasty treat to give as a gift. To this end, an easy-to-use interface to input designs is already in development.

2. Chocolate Bar Flashdrive 
Here's something fun and sweet to carry around in your purse or pocket!

3. Band Presses Vinyl Record on Chocolate (HT: Laughing Squid)

This record can go from turntable to coffee table to your mouth! Scottish band Found, looking for an inventive new way to release a new single, baked up a chocolate-y idea: to press the 7” record on chocolate.

The band enlisted the help of a friend, baker Ben Milne who, after several failed attempts, managed to successfully created the Willy Wonka-like treat; the entire record, including the paper label, is edible.

While not audiophile quality, the chocolate disc plays a decent version of the band’s “Anti-Climb Paint” single.