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Consumer Food Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OFI

Food Scientist

Chicago, IL

Ensure all food developments meet all required food and safety, consumer, and industry standards. * Perform other duties as assigned. Position Requirements * Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food ...

Danone

Food Scientist III

Louisville, CO · On-site

$88K - $118K/yr

Food Scientist III is responsible for leading the development and commercialization of high-quality, consumer-centric yogurt products with a primary focus on the Kids portfolio. This role leads ...

New

Danone

Food Scientist III

Louisville, CO · Hybrid

$88K - $118K/yr

Food Scientist III is responsible for leading the development and commercialization of high-quality, consumer-centric yogurt products with a primary focus on the Kids portfolio. This role leads ...

Danone

Food Scientist III

Louisville, CO · Hybrid

$88K - $118K/yr

Food Scientist III is responsible for leading the development and commercialization of high-quality, consumer-centric yogurt products with a primary focus on the Kids portfolio. This role leads ...

New

McCain Foods Limited

Food Scientist

Appleton, WI · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Food Science or related field * Strong communication, interpersonal ... Knowledge of food preparation, consumer product testing, sensory testing and manufacturing ...

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Food Scientist

Appleton, WI

$69K - $93K/yr

B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Food Science or related field * Strong communication, interpersonal ... Knowledge of food preparation, consumer product testing, sensorytestingand manufacturing operations ...

Post Consumer Brands

Sr Scientist

North Branch, MN · On-site

$89K - $132K/yr

Business Unit Overview Headquartered in Lakeville, Minn., Post Consumer Brands, a business unit of ... Four-year college degree in Food Science, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, or other related ...

OFI

Senior Food Scientist

Chicago, IL

$90K - $120K/yr

Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage ... Bachelor's Degree in Food Science/Technology, Food Engineering or a related field is required ...

McCain Foods

Food Scientist

Appleton, WI

$69K - $93K/yr

Sc. in Food Science or related field Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational skills ... of food preparation, consumer product testing, sensory testing and manufacturing operations ...

DEL REAL LLC

Senior Culinary Manager

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... consumer trends. The Senior Culinary Manager also plays an active role in sensory evaluations and ... Collaborate with food scientists, engineers, quality assurance, and production teams to optimize ...

Bell Flavors & Fragrances

Sensory Scientist

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Bachelor's degree in food science or a related field (Master's a plus) * 5-7 years of sensory or consumer research experience, including panel leadership * Strong statistical analysis skills for ...

Eurofins

Food Scientist

Lafayette, CO · On-site

The National Food Lab's best-in-class consumer and sensory research capabilities employ a variety ... PhD degree from an IFT accredited food science program, or equivalent combination of education and ...

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Consumer Food Science information

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How much do consumer food science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for consumer food science in the United States is $22.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in food nutrition?

In food nutrition, senior roles such as Director of Food Science or Nutrition Director typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require advanced education, extensive experience, and leadership skills in research, product development, or regulatory compliance.

What can I do with a consumer science degree?

A consumer food science degree prepares individuals for roles in food product development, quality assurance, sensory analysis, and consumer research within the food industry. Graduates can work in research labs, manufacturing companies, or regulatory agencies, often utilizing skills in data analysis, food safety, and product testing. Certifications in food safety or quality management can enhance employment opportunities.

What is the highest salary for a food scientist?

The highest salaries for food scientists can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those with advanced degrees, extensive experience, or leadership roles in the industry. Senior food scientists or managers working in large companies or specialized sectors tend to earn the highest compensation.

What kind of job can I get with a food science degree?

A food science degree can lead to roles such as food scientist, quality assurance manager, product development specialist, or food safety auditor. These jobs typically involve laboratory work, product testing, and ensuring compliance with safety standards, often requiring knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and regulatory guidelines.

What is consumer food science?

Consumer food science is a field that studies how people perceive, choose, and use food products. It combines principles from food science, psychology, marketing, and sensory evaluation to understand consumer preferences and behaviors. Professionals in this field work to improve food quality, safety, and appeal based on consumer feedback and trends, helping food companies develop products that meet market demands.

What types of teams or departments do Consumer Food Scientists typically collaborate with in a food company?

Consumer Food Scientists often work closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, marketing, sensory analysis, and quality assurance. Collaboration is essential, as you may be involved in designing consumer tests, interpreting feedback, and helping translate consumer preferences into actionable product improvements. This role requires effective communication and teamwork, as findings from consumer research directly influence product formulation, branding, and even packaging decisions.

What is the difference between Consumer Food Science vs Food Technologist?

AspectConsumer Food ScienceFood Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or related fieldBachelor's or higher in Food Science, Food Technology, or related
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, consumer testing, product developmentManufacturing facilities, quality control labs, R&D
Industry UsageConsumer product companies, market research firmsFood manufacturing, processing plants, quality assurance

Consumer Food Science focuses on understanding consumer preferences, sensory testing, and product development tailored to market needs. Food Technologists primarily work on the technical aspects of food processing, safety, and quality control. Both roles require a background in food science and often overlap in product development, but Consumer Food Science emphasizes consumer insights, while Food Technologists focus on technical production processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Consumer Food Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Consumer Food Scientist, you need a background in food science, nutrition, and sensory evaluation, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Proficiency with laboratory equipment, statistical analysis software, and familiarity with food safety regulations are typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills help you understand consumer preferences and effectively collaborate across departments. These skills are crucial for developing appealing, safe, and marketable food products that meet consumer needs.
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What job categories do people searching Consumer Food Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Consumer Food Science jobs are:
Consumer Food Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Consumer Food Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,976 per year, or $22.6 per hour.
Food Scientist

Food Scientist

OFI

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Job Description
Job Title: Food Scientist  
Location: Bayonne, NJ  or Chicago, IL                                        
Department: Innovation
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitve: No
 
 
We are a global leader in food & beverage ingredients. Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage manufacturers and retailers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is all part of the delight. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable, and transparent supply. Supplying products and ingredients at scale is just the start. We add value through our unique, complementary portfolio of natural, delicious, and nutritious products. With our fresh thinking, we help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet consumer expectations. And whoever we’re with, whatever we’re doing, we always make it real. 
  
Position Summary 
Reporting to the Innovation Manager, the Food Technologist will manage innovation projects and product development projects / initiatives, for Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) – Private Label Spice Blends.  This position will work closely with the Innovation Manager to drive the internal innovation strategy and deliver value by generating quality products and solutions, managing scale-up and commercialization of products, conducting root cause analysis when appropriate, and generating robust technical documentation as required.  The Food Technologist will work with the Innovation department to provide solutions that meet both internal and external customer needs.  Specifically, the Food Technologist will: lead and perform the required development of new spice blends and related spice containing products; conduct matching of national branded spice blend and spice containing products; source and qualify new raw materials and suppliers; conduct pilot plant trials; oversee first production runs; troubleshoot production issues; analyze data, interpret results, and write specifications and reports
 
The ideal candidate for this position must have a strong background as a Food Technologist focusing on spice blends and seasonings.  They should be comfortable leading key projects, as well as working independently to ensure deadlines are met. They should work well under multiple competing demands and be able to successfully manage workload.  
 
 
 
 
Position Responsibilities 
  
  • Manage innovation projects, communicate, and coordinate with internal stakeholders as well as customers.
  • Maintain a thorough understanding of the current food and ingredient trends across our business specifically for retail, private label, and spice blends.
  • Perform product development activities focused on developing spice blends and related products from bench top to commercialization.
  • Perform matching development activities by reverse engineering branded products and formulating corresponding private label products that are sensory, ingredient statement and nutrition matches to the branded products.
  • Generate and maintain technical documentation including raw material specifications, WIP specifications, ingredient statements, and nutrition facts panels (NFP) as required.
  • Provide information to internal stakeholders to drive the business strategy and deliver value generating innovative solutions.
  • Identify opportunities for ingredients, formulation, and process optimization to enhance quality, reduce costs and ensure consistency of Olam products.
  • Prepare responses to customer inquiries with adequate scientific and technical evidence and provide solutions.
  • Provide expertise in development of new innovative products and solutions within spice blends category both internally and externally with customers.
  • Responsible for maintaining accurate records of formulations, procedures, and processes in appropriate electronic systems and platforms. 
  • Support in quality and operations for the processing and commercialization of new innovations.
  • Ensure all food developments meet all required food and safety, consumer, and industry standards.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  
Position Requirements 
  
  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Microbiology, Food Chemistry, or related field is required. Masters Degree is preferred.
  • Five (3-5) years of relevant work experience in product development.  Previous development experience with spice blends is preferred.
  • Solid understanding of GMPs, food safety, and food quality fundamentals is required.
  • Previous experience in a the manufacturing environment conducting plant trials and production runs is required.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Products is required.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are required.
  • Ability to work with multiple cross-functional teams and geographies as well as with internal and external customers. Proven ability to interact effectively with department, company or customer associates and experience in a team-oriented environment is required.
 
  The pay for this role in the state of NJ ranges from $87,000 - $116,000 and is based on the position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within this range may be determined based on candidate’s experience, qualifications and/or other determining factors. 
Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. 
  
ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided based on qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: US-Talent.Acquisition@ofi.com 
 
At ofi, we celebrate our diversity. Olam Americas Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.  

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