Flavour Chemistry: A new college subject trending in India

The study of flavours as university curriculum is only a few years old in India. But as a culture, Indians are deeply connected with flavours since childhood, thanks to our distinctive cooking style. So it is no wonder that this field of study is booming too. Here’s more on Flavour Chemistry.  

What is Flavour Chemistry and who are flavour chemists?  
Flavour Chemists tackle the creation of natural and artificial flavours in the food processing industry. With the huge increase of frozen, cold cuts and heat-and-eat food products, their market is also seeing a sudden rise in job opportunities. Flavour Chemistry is not an easy subject though. Chemistry, biology, food technology and even a bit of socio-cultural history is needed to complete the study of Flavour Chemistry. It’s not just about pleasing our taste buds, flavour chemists study and analyse compounds associated with all sensory attributes. Tis affects food colouring, packaging, smell, taste, touch and feel. In short, studying Flavour Chemistry is probably the best choice for an Indian student who loves Chemistry and food.  

What are the eligibility criteria to study Flavour Chemistry?  
The following criteria must be fulfilled to take up Flavour Chemistry:  

• The student must have cleared Class 12 examination from any recognised board  
• The student should have had Science, i.e. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, in high school. Maths is not mandatory for most universities to study this subject 
• The student should have studied Chemistry or Biochemistry at BSc level 
• Some universities offer Flavour Chemistry only after Master’s degree in Food Tech or Biochemistry 
• Some universities also have their own written exam or interview as screening process for post graduate aspirants  

Flavour Chemistry is studied at 3 levels in our country:  

• It can be a special paper at the under graduate level within Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Food Technology  
• It can be a Master’s Degree specialisation  
• Flavour Chemistry by itself can be the PhD topic of a student who wants to go deep  

All this means many students are willing to explore this challenging subject and make a career.  

What is the job scope after studying Flavour Chemistry? 
Students who graduate with Flavour Chemistry are employed as food technicians and flavourists. Apart from food, other sectors such as pharmaceuticals, research, teaching, wellness, packaging, hospitality, beverage manufacturers, and cosmetics industry want to hire those who have studied Flavour Chemistry in college.