The United States Army is actively seeking how useful 3D-printed food could be for rations/meals for soldiers.
For one, 3D-printed food would lower costs and if soldiers were equipped with 3D-printers they could create their food on demand.
Currently, Army rations have a shelf life of three years or so before they have to be thrown out. It is possible that utilizing 3D printers could increase shelf life while also allowing soldiers to print exactly what they want individually, something that could be extremely useful for someone with diabetes or a similar issue.
There is no doubt that 3D-printed food would be more efficient and convenient, but it is probably a long way off as extensive research is still being done on the matter.
In fact, 3D-printed food is being looked at as a viable idea for astronauts in addition to use by soldiers.
Advancements in 3D-printing technology moving forward will determine if this idea will ever come to fruition.
