Food Science & Technology Blog Posts

Floundering to Food Science

Back in high school, I had no doubt that college was the next step. However, the pressure of choosing a major was colossal! It felt like choosing the rest of my life when asked to select a major. I knew I wanted to do something creative, but I didn’t want to throw away all of my hard-earned A’s in physics, chemistry, and biology. After switching the major option about a hundred times, I finally registered under Undecided - Fine Arts for UC Davis.

The Evolution of Food Science and Technology at UC Davis

The food science and technology major offered at UC Davis is a well-rounded mix of theory and practice, with a hands-on learning approach being both effective and expected at California’s No. 1 agricultural school.  This program is internationally recognized and is one of only 88 IFT HERB approved programs , but how did this niche major come to be?

UC Davis Food Tech Club

Whether you are a future food scientist or a regular foodie, the Food Tech Club at UC Davis is a great opportunity for students to grow and connect with others. For over 50 years, the Food Tech Club has served as a student chapter of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) to connect students, faculty, professionals, and community members to something we all love: food!

A Tasty Finale for Food Science Seniors

The Department of Food Science and Technology’s senior product showcase has become a celebratory event among community members, students, and faculty. The Senior class of 2025 presented their ideas during a 10-week period this spring. With the guidance of Dr. Andrew Gravelle, Dr. Jean-Xavier Guinard, and Matthew Ford, eight teams crafted healthy, sustainable, and delicious food, all while considering affordability, safety, and profitability.

The Strengths and Shortcomings of AI Food Innovation

Food is an unusual topic when it comes to AI (artificial intelligence), but you’d be surprised to know that there are already products that were made with it that are dropping into shopping carts. Last Thursday, Dr. Ned Spang opened up the floor to three experts to discuss where this new innovation is leading us. Although significantly reducing cost and time, will this tool ultimately help or hinder your next meal?

California’s Caviar, Sparkling Wine, and Future of Sustainable Luxuries

Caviar is known as a delicacy worldwide. Although rightfully expensive due to its 6-10 year long production time and very short six-week shelf life, Tsar Nicoulai Caviar is a company willing to turn these tides. Davis community members paired sparkling wines from Domaine Carneros and sturgeon dishes while discovering the close relationship UC Davis has with this unique industry.

February 2025: Letter from the Director

It has only been a month since our last newsletter, but there is so much news to share from both departments and across the UC Davis campus.

For those who knew and admired Anita Oberholster, there will be a celebration of life on Monday, May 12, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm to honor and remember her. Please join us at the UC Davis Conference Center to share memories and stories or join the livestream if you cannot attend in person.