Food Technology vs Food Science — What is the Difference

Introduction: Food Science and Food Technology are two distinct pillars of modern food industry. To consider a diploma in this sector. First need to understand difference is very essential. As the food industry is blooming and fastest growing sectors in the world, it creates exciting career opportunities for the students who have interest in food, nutrition, innovation, and manufacturing. The two fields are popular in this industry are Food Science and Food Technology. Students understanding difference between them is very important to choose the career path.

Food Science: Food Science & Nutrition helps to understand the makeup of food and reasons why it spoils from chemistry, biology, microbiology and nutrition properties. Also understands its molecular structures during freezing and heating. Students engage in getting to know food science and innovate with foods are referred to as food scientists.

Key responsibilities of Food Science:

·        Investigating foodborne pathogens

·        Analyzing nutritional content

·        Studying how different ingredients interact

Career Opportunities:

·        Food Safety Officer

·        Food Scientist

·        Nutrition Consultant

·        Product Development Scientist

·        Research Associate

·        Quality Assurance Analyst

Food Technology: Food Technology focus on knowledge to process, manufacture, package, preserve and distribute on a commercial scale. Students design the machines, develop the packaging according to the freshness & shelf life, also work on safety measures to process the manufacture food products on a mass scale.

: Key responsibilities of Food Science:

·        Mass Production Management

·        Food Packaging

·        Food Processing & Technology

·        Preservation Techniques

·        Supply Chain Management

Career Opportunities:

·        Production Manager

·        Packaging Specialist

·        Quality Control Executive

·        Food Technologist

·        Food Process Development Manager

·        Technical Manager

Difference of Food Science and Food Technology

Features	Food Science	Food Technology
Focus	Understands the foods and its properties	Apply scientific knowledge in food recipe production
Main Approach	Analytical and research oriented	Food Industry Production & Engineering oriented
Core Subjects	Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Nutrition and Analysis of food.	Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, packaging Science
Work Environment	Research Labs, Test Kitchens, R&D centers.	Food manufacturing floors, processing units, Food productions facilities, packaging Labs
Key Activities	Studying Food Composition, analyze the quality of food, studying of spoiled bacteria, discovering new ingredients	Managing Food Production, Shelf life packaging, Develop new Food Products, ensuring quality standards
Career Roles	Food Safety Officer, Food Scientist Nutrition Consultant, Product Development Scientist, Research Associate, Quality Assurance Analyst	Production Manager, Packaging Specialist, Quality Control Executive, Food Technologist, Food Process Development Manager, Technical Manager

Conclusion:

Food Science focuses on understand how food behaves & its properties. How to create, process and delivery food to consumer. Makes sure it is safe and nutritious at a molecular level. Whereas Food Technology focuses on process of food production, engineering, manufacturing, packaging and safety standards. Students who have interest in food research & discovering, Food Science suitable and who have interest in production, industrial process can consider Food technology. Both fields are critical to solve food challenges to feed of growing global population and consumer’s wellbeing.