Fresh off the Beaten Path: Flavor Chemistry Jobs

Published on 2008-08-04

Have you ever wondered how the orange powder you sprinkled on the macaroni you had for dinner last night got its cheesy taste? Or why the watermelon flavor of a popsicle might be different than the watermelon flavor of a piece of candy? The answer to both questions lies within a science niche called flavor chemistry. The people who perform these chemistry jobs are appropriately called flavor chemists or, more commonly, flavorists. But while the title may sound cutesy, flavor chemistry positions are bona fide, serious science jobs.

Flavor Chemistry: What Exactly Is It?

The work of flavorists is similar to that of perfumers who create fragrance compositions, only flavorists create taste compositions. Why engineer taste? As processed, refrigerated foods became more popular, the food industry realized that processing methods remove many of the naturally occurring flavors found in most foods. To appease the consumer, the industry turned to flavorists, who recreate those flavors using chemicals, botanical extracts, oils, and essences for food, beverages, medications, pet foods, toothpaste, cosmetics, and other products. For example, flavorists can cut the blandness in reduced-fat products by adding citric acid, which increases the consumer's salivation. In turn, saliva breaks down sugar quicker, releasing flavor.

Personality Profile: Is Flavor Chemistry Right for Me?

In order to succeed at flavor-building and research jobs, flavorists must possess a wealth of knowledge about organic chemistry and math, as well as the ability to work well with others for long periods of time. For all science related jobs, workers must be curious, creative, and confident enough to pursue new experiments, but also focused and patient enough to stay the course when hiccups inevitably arise and the pressure gets thick. Moreover, research and development jobs within the flavor industry require strong organization and communication skills. The latter is especially important for flavor development jobs because flavorists must present their work to food-manufacturing companies in an attempt to win contracts to produce flavors.

Education, Training, and Experience: How Do I Become a Flavorist?

Educational requirements for flavorists can vary. Some flavorists may have little formal education, while some may have Ph.D.s in biology and chemistry and previously held other jobs in science. Like the trade apprentice system, most of the training for flavorists is done on the job. But because the knowledge required to create flavors is so great - a flavor can be created through many different compositions - the training supersedes that of many chemistry and biology jobs. In fact, training generally lasts about seven years before one can be called a full-fledged flavorist. And at least five of those years are spent just learning the basics and performing research assistant jobs. To become a certified flavorist, trainees must also pass two examinations by the Society of Flavor Chemists.

Flavorists: Where Do They Work?

Flavorists perform their product development jobs in flavor houses. There are clinical research jobs at flavor houses all around the world, although the field is small and competition is tough for positions at these houses, since starting annual salaries may be in excess of $50,000. Some of the biggest domestic players in the flavor industry include International Flavors & Fragrances, which provides research jobs in New York; WILD Flavors Inc. in Kentucky; Virginia Dare in New York; Mastertaste, headquartered in New Jersey; FONA International Inc. in Illinois; and Blue Pacific, which offers chemistry jobs in California, Korea, China, and Malaysia.

The Future of Flavor Chemistry

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, chemist positions are expected to grow at an average rate overall. The effective job-search tools on Fresho.com can help you find flavorist career opportunities in your area. And the next time a friend ponders how the pepperoni on his frozen pizza got its spicy taste, you can tell him!