Introducing CoDeveloper Powered by IFT logo. The CoDeveloper tool in a hexagon shape.

Speed Up R&D Without Sacrificing Science

Meet CoDeveloper, the first AI-powered R&D platform built by food scientists, for food scientists.

IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, Chicago, IL, July 12-15, 2026. Square graphics and images of exhibitors and attendees at the expo.

Reserve Your Space at IFT FIRST

Connect with decision-makers who drive results | Download the exhibitor prospectus

IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo logo. Collage of speakers at IFT FIRST with square blue and yellow graphics.

Call for Proposals and Abstracts

IFT’s 2026 Call for Proposals, Abstracts and Reviewers is now open.

Recognizing Excellence. IFT members receiving their awards on stage.

Nominations Open

Nominations for the IFT Achievement Awards and Fellows are now open. Shine a light on those transforming the science of food.

Institute of Food Technologists

With the vision of a world where science and innovation are connected and universally accepted as essential to improving food for everyone, our mission is to connect global food system communities to promote and advance the science of food and its application. About IFT

Formulating for Functional Benefits

With consumers increasingly looking for enhanced nutrition, the functional foods market must find a way to balance the addition of in-demand ingredients with minimal processing.

EP 73: Decoding Consumers’ Food Behaviors, African Food Trend Heats Up, A Food Scientist Processes Nova and UPFs

Get the latest insights from the food science and technology community in the December 2025 episodes of the Omnivore podcast.

EP 72: Trend Talk with Maeve and Mike: Breaking the Trend Cycle, Inside IFT’s New Open-Source Traceability Driver

Get the latest insights from the food science and technology community in the November 2025 episodes of the Omnivore podcast.

Annual Report

IFT Advocacy

At IFT, we believe that science and innovation are essential to a global food system that is safe, nutritious, and sustainable. Focusing on our Four Advocacy Priorities, we stay abreast of public policy, food laws, regulations, and standards relating to the food system.

  • Elevate the central role of food science in global food & nutrition security, food safety, and sustainable food systems
  • Increase funding for food, agriculture, and nutrition research
  • Champion adoption of science-based regulations in policies and legislation
  • Increase representation of Science of Food Professionals in critical forums and appointments

Policy & Advocacy

A scientific community

with vision

IFT is a forum for passionate food professionals and students to collaborate, learn, and contribute all with the goal of inspiring and transforming collective knowledge into innovative solutions for the benefit of all people around the world.

Our Community       Join Us

11,000+

members

Be a part of a community of scientific scholars, visionaries, and innovators dedicated to advancing the science of food to feed our planet now and into the future.

90+

Countries

IFT’s community extends to over 90 countries providing countless opportunities to network, learn, and knowledge share.

Events Not to Miss right arrow

Supplier Event

South Eastern Section IFT Suppliers Night Expo

Atlanta, Georgia

Expo

Florida Section IFT Suppliers Night Expo

Orlando, Florida

Supplier Event

Cascadia Section IFT Suppliers Night

seattle, Washington

Supplier Event

Southern California Section IFT Suppliers Night Expo

Garden Grove, California

cheese
K-12 Resources for Educators

We invest in the future of food science, so should you.

 
  

Support Feeding Tomorrow
Masked person looking at a clipboard and conducting a food safety inspection.

IFT is a global leader is food safety, security and defense.

 
  

Expand Your Knowledge

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is a community of professionals and students passionate about the essential role science and innovation play in ensuring that our global food system is safe, nutritious, and sustainable.

- Feeding the Minds that Feed the World

IFT—A catalyst for innovation and positive change

Across the learning continuum, IFT is dedicated to the advancement of food science and innovation.

Learning Opportunities

9+ billion

Estimated global population
to feed by 2050

Why food science?

Science and scientists hold the key to solving our planet's food crisis.

Why IFT?

IFT provides the global food community resources, networks, and education to meet and anticipate the growing needs of our global food system.

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