Food Synthesizer

Food synthesizers or food extruders are a world object in Fallout 4, mentioned in Fallout 2.

Background
Machines created before the Great War to provide humans with a convenient source of nutrition. The machines were used in Vaults and in the Institute, providing individuals with with a nutritionally balanced source of food.

Vault-Tec experimented with the synthesizers, either not providing enough of them to supply the entire population of select Vaults or rigging them to provide a sub-optimal food supply - such as a thin, watery gruel in lieu of proper nutrition.

The Institute also utilized these machines, providing a varied supply of food by way of three dispensing handles. Members of the Institute have the ability to select the types of sustenance, options including protein (beef, ham, chicken, and bacon flavors), fiber (lettuce, spinach, broccoli, and fruit), and fat (peanut, butter, ice cream, and grease). The machines featured sections for individuals to place or retrieve plates and utensils, and a place for waste. Lights at the top indicate if the machine has power or an obstruction.