IFT - Institute of Food Technologists

IFT - Institute of Food Technologists As a visionary organization, IFT is feeding the minds that feed the world. Members are at the heart of all we do.

Envision what the very best minds involved in the science of food can achieve when they work together: providing each and every person on the planet with a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply. Since 1939, IFT has been advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system by creating a dynamic forum where individuals from more than 95 countries can collaborate, l

earn, and grow, transforming scientific knowledge into innovative solutions for the benefit of people around the world. We help them enhance their careers and make greater contributions to their organizations. Through forums such as the world’s largest annual food science event, publications such as Food Technology magazine, and other unique resources, we enable them to enhance their knowledge and expand their professional connections, both domestically and abroad. We help highlight the impact and important societal contributions made by professionals involved the science of food, and attract the brightest minds to the profession from related disciplines. And we support the contribution of evidence-based science to the public dialogue on food issues. Together, we are creating a world where science and innovation are universally viewed as essential to a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply for everyone. As a scientific society with vision, IFT is feeding the minds that feed the world. As an organization, IFT is focusing its work in four main areas, or “roles and goals.” Each is wide-reaching and helps to advance our mission. Steward for the Profession and its Community
Provide learning, networking and leadership development experiences that enable food science and technology professionals to become leaders in the global food science community. Research Champion and Innovation Catalyst
Champion emerging sciences and foster technology development, application and transfer to increase funding for food-related research and to support innovation in food science. Influential Advocate and Trusted Spokesorganization
Engage in advocacy and communication efforts that enhance recognition of the profession and result in increased understanding and application of the science of food. Global Citizen and Partner
Proactively contribute to, and be a partner for, the global advancement and application of the science of food. IFT members are the common thread binding these roles and goals. Each program, service, and initiative that we undertake is knowledge-based, mission-driven, and addresses the needs of IFT members. Whether through networking opportunities, continuing education programs, or a desire to give back to the global scientific community and the profession, our focus on these roles and goals enhances our members’ abilities to enrich the world and to be enriched by their own experiences. DISCLAIMER: As a member of the food science community, we try to stay tuned in to the discussions, chats, postings, and other happenings on the page. Comments that are unlawful, obscene, spam, or otherwise offensive to fans will be deleted. Thank you for ensuring that interactions on this page are friendly, courteous, and professional.

Meet Marcia Walker, PhD. 👋She helped move high-pressure processing from early university research into commercial food p...
08/29/2026

Meet Marcia Walker, PhD. 👋

She helped move high-pressure processing from early university research into commercial food production, including some of the first HPP products in the United States.

Today, Marcia leads Oregon State University’s Food Innovation Center, where she helps entrepreneurs, researchers, and established companies turn promising ideas into safe, scalable products.

Get to know Marcia and her work in Food Technology Magazine: https://hubs.la/Q04vJf2D0

Big ideas often begin with one good question. 💡The IFT FIRST Call for Questions lets you help shape the scientific conve...
08/28/2026

Big ideas often begin with one good question. 💡

The IFT FIRST Call for Questions lets you help shape the scientific conversations the food science community will explore in 2027.

Think about the challenge you keep encountering, the emerging research you’re watching, or the idea your field needs to examine from a new angle. Then put it forward.

📅 Submit by September 14, 2026: https://hubs.la/Q04vJbBc0

Sometimes the right career opportunity is across town. Sometimes it’s across the country. 📍💼Salary matters, but so do be...
08/27/2026

Sometimes the right career opportunity is across town. Sometimes it’s across the country. 📍💼

Salary matters, but so do benefits, flexibility, education and room to grow.

The 2026 IFT Compensation and Career Path Report puts those pieces together to show what careers across the food science profession look like today.

Check out a glimpse of the findings below, then download the free report to see where your experience fits within the bigger picture. 👇
https://hubs.la/Q04vBkPt0

“What inspired me to say yes was the opportunity to be able to shape the future of food in a really big way.”Lauren Abda...
08/26/2026

“What inspired me to say yes was the opportunity to be able to shape the future of food in a really big way.”

Lauren Abda found that opportunity on the IFT Board of Directors. Could you or someone you know bring a valuable perspective to the next Board?

We're seeking members with diverse experiences and expertise who can help advance the science of food and confront the challenges facing the global food system.

⏰ Apply or nominate a colleague for the 2027–2028 IFT Board of Directors by September 8: https://hubs.la/Q04vpk180

08/20/2026

Early warning signals alert food safety teams before a positive result occurs. Their value depends on what happens next.

👉 Can the model explain the signal?
👉 Was it validated for that facility, product, and process?
👉 Could it miss the rare event that matters most?

Experts from Cornell University examine the practical limits of pathogen prediction models and why rare events challenge accuracy and performance.

Read the full Q&A here: https://hubs.la/Q04tKlvy0

Keeping up with food technology takes more than scanning headlines.The real work is deciding which tools deserve attenti...
08/20/2026

Keeping up with food technology takes more than scanning headlines.

The real work is deciding which tools deserve attention and which ideas can move from research into practice.

🧪 Smarter R&D workflows
🌱 Innovation at the crop level
🛡️ Earlier signals for food safety
⚙️ Stronger production systems

Explore where these tools are taking the food system and the decisions that will shape what comes next in our latest newsletter.

View here: https://hubs.la/Q04tJTWg0

Across formulation, agriculture, safety, and production Food innovation has moved upstream. Into the crop.

08/17/2026

Walnuts have been part of global cuisines for millennia. Their next trip might be to the snack aisle. 🌍🌰

Picture walnuts coated in furikake seasoning or a walnut cream adding richness to a globally inspired curry. Such applications give product developers new ways to introduce adventurous flavors through an ingredient consumers already recognize.

Explore the possibilities: https://hubs.la/Q04thTcP0

These photos take us right back. 💙 One month ago today, we opened IFT FIRST with the Expo Hall ribbon-cutting.What follo...
08/13/2026

These photos take us right back. 💙 One month ago today, we opened IFT FIRST with the Expo Hall ribbon-cutting.

What followed was a full day of flavor science, candid consumer perspectives, sustainability solutions, important conversations about public trust and countless moments of connection across the food science community.

From J. Kenji López-Alt on the Main Stage to the conversations happening in every corner of the Expo Hall, the energy was unmistakable.

💬 What's your favorite memory from the event?

08/12/2026

The 2026 Cyclospora outbreak is a real-world stress test for the U.S. food safety system.

Our latest Brain Food blog explains:
🔎 Why Cyclospora can be difficult to trace
🥬 How the U.S. food safety system monitors fresh produce
📍 How traceability helps investigators find where a product came from and where else it went
🛡️ What consumers can do while an investigation continues

Explore the full article and download the accompanying infographic: https://hubs.la/Q04sQhKH0

As much as we love banana, coconut, mango, and pineapple, the tropical flavor playbook is ready for a few new pages. 🍌🥥🥭...
08/11/2026

As much as we love banana, coconut, mango, and pineapple, the tropical flavor playbook is ready for a few new pages. 🍌🥥🥭🍍

Consumers are exploring a wider world of global flavors, creating colorful possibilities across functional hydration, low/no-sugar beverages, yogurt, snacks, sauces, and mocktails.

For product developers, the fun starts where flavor, functionality, and format meet. Tart fruit sharpens a beverage concept. Floral notes bring surprise to dairy. Unexpected pairings make familiar formats feel completely fresh.

🌴 Click on each image for fruit-forward inspiration, then save this post for your next ideation session.

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