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What does a Food Scientist do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A food scientist is someone who studies food and how it is produced. They may work in a laboratory testing food samples, or they may work in a factory setting overseeing the production of food. Food scientists may also develop new food products or find ways to improve the taste, texture, or nutrition of existing foods.

Food Scientist job duties include:

  • Developing new food products and improving existing ones
  • Designing processes and equipment for large-scale food production
  • Improving food safety and quality control procedures
  • Conducting research on the sensory, nutritional, and biochemical properties of foods
  • Analyzing data to determine the best production methods
  • Working with other scientists and engineers to develop new food processing technologies
  • Overseeing the production of test batches of new products
  • Evaluating the nutritional content of food products
  • Writing reports and presenting findings to colleagues and clients

Food Scientist Job Requirements

A food scientist typically has a bachelor's degree in food science, although some jobs may require a master's degree or higher. Many food scientists also have certification from the Institute of Food Technologists. Experience in the food industry is also helpful for this job.

Food Scientist Skills

  • Food Science
  • Food Chemistry
  • Food Microbiology
  • Food Analysis
  • Food Safety
  • Food Quality
  • Food Processing
  • Food Engineering
  • Sensory Evaluation
  • Nutrition
  • Product Development
  • Research and Development

Related: Top Food Scientist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Food Scientist

A food scientist is someone who studies food and food production. They may work in a laboratory, testing food to ensure it is safe and nutritious. They may also work in the field, developing new ways to grow or process food. Food scientists may also work in quality control, ensuring that the food we eat meets safety and quality standards.

To become a food scientist, you will need to earn a bachelor's degree in food science or a related field. Many food scientists also have a master's degree or PhD. You will also need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. If you are interested in working in a laboratory, you will need to be comfortable with using scientific equipment and conducting experiments. If you are interested in working in the field, you should be good at communicating with farmers and other food producers.

Food science is an exciting and growing field. With the world's population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, there is a great need for innovative new ways to produce food. As a food scientist, you can help meet this demand and make a difference in the world.

Related: Food Scientist Resume Example

Related: Food Scientist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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