Overview

Flavor technologists develop and manufacture flavoring used in food and drink products.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Conduct experiments and produce sample products, as well as designs the processes for making products with a consistent flavor, color and texture in large quantities
• Modify the flavor concentrates of existing products to achieve consistent flavor profile of the finished product
• Conduct internal sensory evaluations to determine quality of flavors, both new and existing
• Quickly select flavors and pull from stock for standard sample requests
• Apply flavors to basic applications and collect flavor performance results for flavors that don’t have data
• Build a library of flavors with knowledge of many different applications
• Ensure that the portfolio flavors have application data
• Select the best flavor for the application
• Provide quick service to applications and our customers
• Coordinate with multiple departments to ensure flavor data integrity
• Work directly with the sample department on resamples and standard samples for quick turnaround time
• Provide basic application on flavors without data across many different applications
• Communicate with the regulatory department to make certain documentation needs are met

What education and training is required?

A bachelor’s degree in food science, nutrition, chemistry or related field.

To pursue a career as a flavor technician:

The following high school courses are recommended: agriculture education, mathematics, biology, chemistry and computer courses.

Where can I work?

Flavor technologists work for food companies who are developing new food products.

Future Job Market / Outlook

The job outlook for a flavor technologist will be good over the next five years.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• Institute of Food Technologists
• Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association