Personalised Nutrition

In an age when nutrition is top of mind and food allergies are at record heights, the concept of ‘one food product fits all’ is no longer feasible. The more we understand about health and nutrition, the more we know that each individual requires a specific set of nutrients, macro- and micronutrients. And each person has particular preferences for taste and texture. TNO’s platform  enables customised Nutri-Bites that suit each individual user’s specific dietary needs  and desires. The technology is set to revolutionize nutrition for athletes, patients, soldiers, and citizens.

The heart of the TNO solution is not in the 3D printing technology, but in the research-driven platform that creates the exacting formulations. Our multidisciplinary approach combines our expertise in nutrition, system biology, behavioural science, data science, and systems engineering to create a system that is both technologically feasible and commercially viable. This includes not only providing a nutritionally optimal Nutri-Bite, but one that participants are willing – even eager – to eat.

In small-scale trials, the feasibility and efficacy of the platform was tested in both a military and hospital setting, with positive results. Participants were able to select the toppings and flavours that they preferred, while the content of the nutrient-packed Nutri-Bites were specifically selected to suit the needs of each participant – whether higher energy, more focus and concentration, or faster, more complete recovery were the primary objective. Now, TNO aims to scale up the testing of this proven technology, and engage with partners who can bring this technology to commercial application.

On the basis of both anecdotal and data-driven results, TNO is ready to scale to a longer-term study that can validate health claims and provide medically relevant data. In the meantime, new formulations for the components of the Nutri-Bites can also be explored.

Further development of this proven TNO technology could be a real competitive advantage for equipment manufacturers, food producers, or military/civilian suppliers willing to invest in a targeted field study and technological scale-up. Those aiming to make a true impact on the physical health of their target audience can benefit from TNO’s extensive research and practical tools, while becoming the first in the market to offer highly personalised nutrition solutions.

Given that the concept has already been proven in small scale studies, the next step in development would include a larger scale, longer term study, including clinically relevant medical data collection. Upon further proof that the technology provides significant nutritional benefit, the technology could then be scaled to enable wider distribution in either high-performance or rehabilitation environments. TNO envisions a highly successful trial, given the positive results achieved so far.

Although some more development and discovery is needed before the technology can be deployed to a much broader consumer base, TNO is convinced that investments in personalised nutrition technology will pay off in the future. Ambitious investors seeking to get an early start on this unique and marketable concept can revolutionise food options for athletes, military personnel, or patients, and become the first in the world to offer fit-for-purpose food concepts that not only taste good, but offer optimal nutritional benefit.

Interested in learning more about how you can take part in the wide-scale distribution of customised, personalised nutrition products? Are you a food producer or equipment manufacturer with the facilities to scale this highly innovative food product? Get in touch today and find out how.