Food science is an incredibly diverse field, offering a range of career options for those with a passion for food. From product or ingredient development scientists to food microbiologists and food safety experts, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. For those who thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment, becoming a chef can be an incredibly rewarding career. For those who are more interested in animal welfare, a career as an animal nutritionist may be the perfect fit.
The relationship between food science and nutrition is rapidly merging in today's era, when people are more aware of what they consume. Nutritionists are now working with food scientists to develop processed foods that are also nutritious, rather than simply instructing people to give up certain foods. To have a successful career in the food industry, it's important to be well-informed in both. A food scientist must have a fundamental knowledge of nutrition in order to judge the viability of different ingredients during the production of food products.
And a nutritionist must know the basics of food science to understand why foods are processed and stored under different conditions. A career in food science allows you to participate in the process of bringing products to supermarket shelves that are enjoyed by a wide variety of people. You can work in different sectors, such as government, public and private sectors. In the government sector, jobs in food science may involve research on safety and hygiene, food-related policies, and sustainability. In the public sector, jobs in food science may involve research positions in facilities such as higher education institutions.
In the private sector, jobs in food science may involve the development of new products and improving the packaging of existing products. If you're a bit of a foodie, take note: a career in food science doesn't necessarily mean you're limited to a lab or a desk job. There are many different slices of cake to choose from. Restaurant inspectors are responsible for rating restaurants based on their compliance with food safety regulations. Recipe developers work for companies that make products such as boxed cake mixes and other precooked foods.
Everything from the nature of food to the cause of its deterioration is studied with the help of biological, chemical and physical sciences. Having a graduate degree can open many doors for you beyond the obvious ones within the food industry, although many food companies such as Premier Foods, Tesco, Kraft and Nestle offer graduate programs. If you still have doubts about why food science is important, take another look at your pantry and fridge; you're probably interacting with food science on a daily basis without even knowing it.
