What Does A Flavorist Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Create New Flavors

Flavorists are often responsible for creating new flavors for a variety of food products. They typically make flavors for the flavor houses that supply flavorings to various food manufacturers. 

When creating a new flavor, flavorist work in a laboratory setting. They rely on their knowledge of the chemical properties of common ingredients and additives. 

The process of creating new flavors depends on the type of food that they are working with. For example, when working with processed foods, flavorists may need to consider how the additives in the food may impact the flavor. 

Creating flavors also involves tests. The flavors created by flavorists need to remain noticeable to the average consumer after boiling, freezing, cooking, or processing the food.

Alter the Flavor of Existing Foods

Along with creating new flavors, flavorists may be tasked with improving the flavor of existing food. This is often necessary when a food manufacturer adjusts the ingredients in an existing food item. 

Changing just one ingredient can dramatically impact the flavor of the food. Instead of keeping the new flavor, a food company may use a flavorist to recreate the original flavor.

Altering the flavor of existing food products is also common when working with processed foods. To increase the shelf life of food, many products contain starches or sugars that reduce the natural flavors. Flavorists help enhance the characteristics of the flavors to make processed foods taste better.

Research the Characteristics of Different Ingredients

Flavorists often need to enhance natural and artificial flavors, which requires knowledge of the chemical characteristics of different ingredients. They often rely on previous research from other flavor chemists or complete their own research in the lab.

Researching the chemical properties of an ingredient is also necessary when recreating a natural flavor in the lab. Before a flavorist can improve an existing flavor, they need to create it using a combination of naturally occurring and artificial ingredients.

Collaborate with Other Food Scientists

Flavorists rarely work alone. They often work as part of a team with food scientists and other flavorists. The team may receive specific goals for a project, such as producing a new flavor or improving the taste of an existing product.

Step 1: Study Chemistry in High School

Flavorists are “flavor chemists,” which necessitates a knowledge of chemistry, which high school students can start learning before college.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

A Bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for flavorists. The most common majors include food science and chemistry.

Step 3: Earn a Master’s Degree

While not strictly required, a Master’s degree helps flavorists advance their careers faster. You will also receive specialized training in the food sciences.

Step 4: Become a Junior Flavorist

After finishing college, find entry-level work as a junior flavorist or lab assistant.

Step 5: Complete an Apprenticeship

After gaining five years of experience, you may apply for an . The apprenticeship typically lasts two years.

Step 6: Become a Certified Flavorist

The Society of Flavor Chemists requires members to complete a total of seven years of training before becoming a certified flavorist. This includes five years of work experience and a two-year apprenticeship.