AI and the Future of Food Innovation

Mohamed Badaoui Najjar, PhD, is senior director of R&D digital transformation and global specifications at PepsiCo, where he works at the forefront of integrating digital solutions, including artificial intelligence, into food science and product development. With 15 years of global industry experience, he has led innovation from ideation to launch—starting as a product developer on brands like Pepsi, Mirinda, and Mountain Dew, advancing into sugar-reduction science, leading PepsiCo’s East Europe region, then directing R&D strategy for international markets, all before taking on his current global role.

We caught up with Najjar last month at IFT FIRST, where he moderated the panel forum “How Does AI Enhance Food Science Innovation and Consumer Insights?” to get his take on how digital solutions, including AI, are reshaping the food industry—and why the human element still matters. 

“AI is here, and it’s here to stay,” says Najjar, a member of IFT’s Board of Directors, “but it’s how we, as food professionals, choose to engage with it that will determine the future.” Below, he elaborates. 

You presented on the topic of artificial intelligence at IFT FIRST. What’s the main takeaway you hope attendees left with?

Digital solutions, including AI, are becoming embedded in nearly every part of our ecosystem—from product development to packaging to consumer insights. The key message I hope people took away is that AI is a tool. It’s powerful, changes the cost and speed landscape, and permeates everything, but it’s most effective when people are upskilled to use it well. We’ve all heard it said that AI won’t take your job—but someone using AI might. So, it’s about embracing it, learning it, and leveraging it to add value to your work. 

Where is AI making the biggest difference in food science and innovation right now?

We’re seeing clear applications in areas like formulation. For example, smart and AI tools can now help guide ingredient substitutions or recommend ways to achieve specific nutritional targets in products. That kind of capability dramatically accelerates development cycles. IFT’s new AI-powered CoDeveloper platform is a great example of how insights from scientific literature can be integrated into practical recommendations. This is especially powerful for companies that do not have the full internal ecosystem of subject matter experts (SMEs) and know-how. It’s using science to drive the formulations of the future. 

It’s not AI versus human intelligence—it’s AI plus human intelligence. That combination delivers the greatest value.

Mohamed Badaoui Najjar

senior director of R&D digital transformation and global specifications, PepsiCo

How is AI changing the way we develop new products?

One major shift is in the realm of insights—what is called “connected insights.” AI now allows companies to rapidly process vast amounts of data relevant to their business from consumer sentiment, segmentation, competitive, and product reactions. Given the right data, AI will enable the generation of actionable insights, helping companies understand what consumers want and how we can meet those needs more precisely and efficiently.

What about consumer engagement? How is AI helping companies better connect with people?

AI has removed the old barriers of data complexity and format. AI can now pull together social media, consumer insight reports, competitive analysis, and real-time feedback to form a holistic picture. That level of integrated understanding allows the design of products that more accurately reflect consumer needs but also combine large amounts of data in ways not previously possible. It’s one of the most exciting applications of AI right now—and one I’m especially passionate about.

As AI becomes more central to innovation, what ethical or practical guardrails should the food industry adopt?

Human oversight is essential. One of the polls we conducted during the IFT FIRST session asked: Would you trust a product developed entirely by AI? Over 90% of people said yes—but only with human oversight. That speaks volumes. In the food industry, even a 0.011% error rate is unacceptable. AI can process and recommend, but humans must verify, interpret, and bring empathy and creativity to the process. It’s not AI versus human intelligence—it’s AI plus human intelligence. That combination delivers the greatest value.

How is PepsiCo approaching AI differently when it comes to innovation and connecting with consumers?

At PepsiCo, our approach is very intentional. As someone leading digital transformation in R&D, I’m fortunate to work with a diverse team of professionals across disciplines. We start with foundational questions: What problems are we solving? What value are we delivering to consumers and to our teams? We’re not just adopting tools—we’re co-designing them with functionality, user experience, and value in mind. That mindset ensures systems of the future that address tension points and deliver use delight.

You’ve been deeply involved with IFT over the years. What does being part of this community mean to you?

IFT has been a defining part of my professional journey. I came to the United States in 2005 with a dream to do my PhD in food science and bring products to life in the food industry. One of the first things I sought was a community where I could learn, grow, and contribute. I found that in IFT. From being a student leader, new professional, to now serving on the Board of Directors, IFT has offered me a space to connect, volunteer, and give back. It’s not just a professional network—it’s a place where the future of food is being shaped collaboratively.

This interview has been edited and condensed for length.

Join Mohamed Najjar at the upcoming IFT webinar “Leveraging AI for Faster Product Development Cycles,” on August 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. CT. This expert-led session will explore how generative AI is revolutionizing R&D, formulation, and speed-to-market with smarter, more efficient workflows. Register now.    

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To the CHANGE-MAKERS As part of the IFT community, you’ll join leaders and innovators driving progress through science-based advocacy. You’ll collaborate to solve critical challenges in food safety, nutrition security, and sustainable food systems. When we come together to share research, resources, and expertise, our voice and impact grow stronger. You belong here. Become a member at ift.org/join.