What are the most effective food technology tools for improving quality and consistency?

1 Smart scales

Smart scales are digital devices that can measure the weight and volume of ingredients, as well as provide nutritional information, recipe guidance, and portion control. They can connect to smartphones, tablets, or computers via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and display the data on an app or a web platform. Smart scales can help food and beverage operators ensure that they are using the right amount of ingredients for each dish or product, avoid waste and overstocking, and comply with nutritional and allergen regulations.

2 Sous vide machines

Sous vide machines are cooking devices that use a water bath and a vacuum-sealed bag to cook food at a precise and consistent temperature for a long time. This method preserves the moisture, flavor, and nutrients of the food, and prevents overcooking or undercooking. Sous vide machines can help food and beverage operators create dishes or products that have the same texture, tenderness, and doneness every time, as well as reduce shrinkage and food loss.

3 Food sensors

Food sensors are devices that can detect and measure various aspects of food quality, such as freshness, ripeness, pH, moisture, spoilage, contamination, and shelf life. They can use different technologies, such as optical, chemical, electronic, or biological sensors, and transmit the data to a smartphone, tablet, or computer via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Food sensors can help food and beverage operators monitor and control the quality of their raw materials, finished products, and storage conditions, and prevent food waste and foodborne illnesses.

4 3D food printers

3D food printers are machines that can create edible objects by depositing layers of food materials, such as dough, chocolate, cheese, or meat. They can use different techniques, such as extrusion, inkjet, or laser sintering, and follow a digital design or a scanned image. 3D food printers can help food and beverage operators produce customized and innovative products that have a consistent shape, size, and appearance, as well as cater to specific dietary needs and preferences.

5 Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and decision making. AI can use various tools, such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, or voice recognition, and analyze large amounts of data from different sources. AI can help food and beverage operators optimize their operations, such as menu planning, inventory management, pricing, ordering, delivery, customer service, and marketing, and improve their quality and consistency.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?