Abstract: The invention discloses a bite-sized high-water content finger food with a moderately thick interior contents consistency and an elastic membrane covering said interior contents so that it is resistant to an easy breaking when picked up with the fingers, yet, it melts in the mouth and is easily swallowed. The composition of the disclosed food, essentially, comprises a combination of ingredients: high water content, at least 90% by mass, e.g., in the range of 95-97%, and thick consistency providing agents: agar and sodium carboxymethylcellulose in an amount providing a shape-retaining gel texture, by at least 0.8% by mass of the agar with at least 0.5% by mass of sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Further, balanced proportions of nutrients can be included into the product. The product is useful as a nutritious food with high water content, providing nutrients and hydration to the elderly, helping to reduce/eliminate the risk of dehydration and aspiration pneumonia.

Abstract: The invention relates to food technology. Specifically, it discloses a 3D-printed high-protein and prebiotic dietary-fiber-rich finger food adapted to provide balanced nutrition for the elderly and people with swallowing disorders. By including lean meat (e.g., pork), prebiotic dietary-fibers-rich berry pomace, broth, collagen, structured oil as a bigel (biphasic system), salt and seasonings as main raw materials and through pureeing, blending, shaping by extrusion, baking, the 3D-printed product is rich in protein and prebiotic dietary fiber. Further, it is suitable for people with dysphagia, complying International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) level 6, which classifies the product as soft and bite-sized. The invention discloses a method s of producing such 3D-printed food products, from selecting and processing the initial ingredients to ready-to-eat products.