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IFT Membership

To the innovators. To the connectors. To the change-makers. To the future leaders.
IFT is your professional home — a global community shaping the future of food.


Join a community united by purpose and driven by science. As an IFT member, you’ll connect with peers, thought leaders, and trusted experts across the food system. Stay ahead with cutting-edge research and gain support to fuel your next scientific breakthrough. Wherever you are in your career, IFT is where you belong.


Your Community Awaits. Explore Membership Benefits →


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Why Join IFT?

It’s where every part of the food system comes together to feed the minds that feed the world.

Connect with peers, innovators and leaders.

Join a vibrant community of nearly 11,000 professionals across industry, academia, non-profit and government, and build meaningful relationships that open doors and spark collaboration.

Advance with purpose.

Elevate your career, skills and leadership potential through IFT’s exclusive education programs, renowned publications, and signature events like IFT FIRST: Annual Event & Expo, designed to keep you ahead in a fast-evolving field.

Trusted science, delivered.

Access exclusive research and expert insights curated by IFT’s thought leaders. IFT is your source for accurate, cutting-edge information you won’t find anywhere else.

Shape the future, together.

As the leading voice in food science, IFT empowers you to influence global food policies and collaborate on breakthrough solutions that address critical challenges like sustainability, access, safety, and nutrition.

See All Member Benefits →

The Heart of IFT — Our Members

"If you’re in food science, you join IFT. It’s a must. That is how you meet people, that is how you find new collaborators, that is how you advance your research and your career."

- Sriloy Dey, PhD, senior research associate, The Ohio State University
Sriloy Dey

"I joined IFT as a graduate student to develop my professional opportunities. Sure enough, I met my future boss through IFT, and that is how I landed my first job."

- Yuqi Luo, senior food safety and quality specialist, Nestle
Yuqi Luo

"IFT has helped me significantly advance my career by connecting me to a network of experts in the field. This network has given me access to various opportunities I may never have had otherwise."

- Kathiravan Krishnamurthy, PhD, associate teaching professor, Illinois Institute of Technology
Kathiravan Krishnamurthy

Find Your Membership Fit

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has five membership types to meet the needs of its diverse community. No matter where you are in your career, IFT has a membership type to support you. Explore the different options below to find the membership type that is right for you.

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Premier Membership right arrow
The most comprehensive access to IFT’s resources, community, and research for individuals.
Man smiling with surrounding square graphics of people networking at IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo
Networking Engagement Membership right arrow
A taste of IFT’s time-saving resources and dynamic community for individuals.
A young male student smiling with surrounding square graphics of graduates, students presenting at IFT FIRST, and a student networking at IFT FIRST
Student Membership right arrow
Resources and opportunities to enhance on-campus experiences, make new connections, and prepare students for science of food careers.
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Emeritus Membership right arrow
Similar benefits to IFT’s Premier Membership for retirees.
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Joint Membership right arrow
The benefits of both the American Society of Nutrition and IFT at one low price.

Start Your IFT Journey Today

✔ Get full member benefits the moment you join

✔ Instantly connect with a global network driving the future of food

✔ Access the exclusive IFT Member Connect online community

✔ Unlock member discounts for IFT FIRST: Annual Event & Expo

✔ Network through local sections and regional events

✔ Join one or more of IFT’s 25 Divisions to dive deeper into your interests

Be Part of the Future of Food.

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You belong here. Become a member today.

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