As consumers become more conscious of their health and the environment, we see a revolution in the way we approach food. From new alternative protein sources like plant-based meat and insect-based protein to innovative functional foods, the food industry is undergoing a major transformation and is also adapting to meet these changing demands. According to a report by Bloomberg, global plant-based dairy and meat sales amounted to more than US$29 billion in 2020 and this number is expected to grow to US$162 billion by 2030.
Career Opportunities in the Food Science and Nutrition Industry
1. Food Sustainability
The demand for environmentally friendly food options is growing as consumers increasingly prioritise sustainability. The Accenture and WWF Singapore study found that 75% of Singapore consumers desire more sustainable action. This presents an excellent opportunity for professionals in the food science industry to make a positive impact on the environment.
As a food scientist or nutritionist, you can help develop sustainable food products by working to reduce food waste, improve packaging, and create more efficient supply chains. You could be responsible for developing biodegradable packaging materials made from sustainable sources like bamboo or cornstarch, which are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. This not only reduces waste but also promotes the use of eco-friendly alternatives.
Additionally, you might focus on finding ways to reduce food waste by developing new preservation techniques or innovative recipes that utilise food scraps and leftovers. By doing so, you not only help to reduce waste but also increase the sustainability of food production.
The trend towards sustainability in the food industry offers exciting career opportunities for those passionate about making a positive impact on the environment. As a professional in this field, you have the chance to play a crucial role in developing environmentally friendly food products and processes that benefit both consumers and the planet.
2. Plant-based Diets
This shift in dietary preference has created a booming market for plant-based alternatives to meat, dairy, and other animal products. According to a survey by Rakuten Insight, 70% of respondents in Singapore aged 16 to 34 years have indicated that they have consumed plant-based alternatives. As plant-based diets continue to gain traction, the demand for high-quality, tasty meat alternatives is also on the rise. Companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat are leading the way in creating plant-based meat substitutes that taste just like the real thing.
With the booming demand for plant-based alternatives, careers in the food science industry evolves dynamically in their functional aspects as well. Food scientists and nutritionists now play a crucial role in developing these plant-based alternatives and making them more widely available and accessible to for the consumer market. Their primary goal is to ensure the safety, quality, and nutritional value of the food we consume. They focus on the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of food, analysing the nutritional content of food and designing food products to meet specific nutritional requirements. For instance, to develop innovative plant-based meat alternatives that closely mimic the texture, taste, and nutritional profile of traditional animal-based products, they extract proteins from raw plant materials and subsequently structure those proteins.
3. Functional foods
Our primary goal when consuming food is to obtain essential nutrients to fulfil our body’s metabolic requirements. However, certain food groups – known as functional foods – go beyond mere nutritional benefits and offer additional health benefits. These are foods packed with extra health benefits, like probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, to name a few. Designed to target specific health conditions, such as gut health, cognitive function, or immune system function, they are sought-after commodities not just amongst health aficionados but those who just wish to eat healthier.
To create these nutrient-rich foods, food scientists and nutritionists work their magic, identifying the health benefits of different nutrients and how they can be incorporated into our diets. This trend offers exciting career opportunities in product development, research, and innovation. It’s a field where you can let your creativity soar while helping people stay healthy and satisfied.
Foundation Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition (FDFN) programme
If you have a passion for understanding the complex relationship between food, health, and well-being and want to play a critical role in ensuring the safety, quality, and nutritional value of the food we consume, consider enrolling in PSB Academy’s Foundation Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition (FDFN) programme.
This 12–15-month programme provides you with a comprehensive and well-rounded education that will give you a head start into the food science, nutrition, and other related fields. Its modules are specifically designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in these career paths.
For example, in the Food Microbiology and Human Nutrition module, you will learn about the basics of microbiology, including the study of microorganisms and their roles in biotechnology, food spoilage, preservation, and foodborne diseases. You will also explore the clinical significance of microbiology for disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, as well as human nutrition in relation to epidemiology and the relationship between genes and nutrition. This knowledge is essential for careers in food safety, quality control, and public health nutrition.
The other modules in the programme, such as Fundamentals of Chemistry, Fundamentals of Mathematics, Introduction to Biological Science, Introduction to Food Science and Nutrition, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Statistics and Applied Mathematics, further strengthen your foundation in the related scientific disciplines. These modules provide you with the necessary tools to understand and apply scientific principles in various aspects of food science and nutrition, from food chemistry and molecular biology to understanding chemical reactions, properties, and compositions related to food quality and safety.
Why choose PSB Academy?
PSB Academy is an excellent choice for students who want to embark on a career in the field of food science. The Foundation Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition (FDFN) programme is an ideal starting point for students who are interested in this field. Through this food science and nutrition diploma, students can expect to learn a wide range of food science topics, including food chemistry, microbiology, and sensory evaluation.
One of the key benefits of studying at PSB Academy is that students have access to purpose-built science labs where they can conduct experiments and investigate the physical and chemical properties of food. This hands-on experience allows students to apply the theories they learn in the classroom and gain practical skills that will be invaluable when they start their careers.
After completing the FDFN programme, students can choose to continue their education at PSB Academy with one of the three life science courses offered by La Trobe University, Australia. These courses include the Bachelor of Science (Molecular Biology and Applied Chemistry), Bachelor of Science (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology), and Bachelor of Science (Molecular Biology and Pharmaceutical Science). Alternatively, students can pursue a Bachelor of Nutrition Science at La Trobe University in Australia if they want to focus on nutrition.
The partnership between PSB Academy and La Trobe University provides students with an opportunity to gain a head start in the field of food science. The programme is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this industry. With PSB Academy’s industry-relevant facilities and expert faculty, students can be confident that they are receiving a top-quality education that will prepare them for success in their future careers.
Take Your First Step into the Field of Food and Nutrition with PSB Academy
Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your passion into a rewarding and impactful career. Enrol in the Foundation Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition at PSB Academy today and start your journey toward making a difference in the world of food and nutrition.
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