By Pam Jahnke and Bob Bosold Ice cream is a staple of the Wisconsin experience, but for the millions of Americans who struggle with lactose…
Why Choose UW–Madison Department of Food Science?
The UW—Madison Department of Food Science has been part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for more than 100 years, instructing generations of food science and industry leaders. With a job placement rate of nearly 100%, our distinguished faculty provide students with an exciting and challenging curriculum that equips graduates with the skills to succeed in today’s global economy. UW Food Scientists impact society by developing sustainable practices and helping people access wholesome food.
Getting Involved
There are a variety of clubs and extracurriculars within the Department, each one offering unique experiences and opportunities for professional and personal growth:
- Dairy Product Judging Team
- Food Science Club
We Prepare Graduates
The Food Industry is a fast-paced, competitive, and growing sector of the global economy. The Department of Food Science prepares graduates to contribute to a variety of areas in this exciting professional field. With nearly 100% job placement, our graduates are equipped to compete and succeed in a modern global economy.
Keep Up With Food Science
Greetings from the Chair Dear Food Science Colleagues, Alumni, and Friends, Each day that passes here, I note the warming weather, lengthening daylight hours and…
Wisconsin researchers lead natural food coloring breakthrough as industry phases out artificial dyes
By Phoebe Murray, WMTV MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – As major companies eliminate synthetic dyes from their products by the end of 2027, Wisconsin researchers are positioned…
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Department Chair and Professor, Scott Rankin, is one of the lead researchers that is focusing on breaking down lactose into two easily digestible sugars: glucose and galactose. We`re excited to see this research help expand more lactose-free ice cream options for dairy-free consumers.🍦
#foodscience #uwmadison #dairyfree #icecream
https://www.midwestfarmreport.com/2026/05/13/research-explores-potential-of-lactose-free-ice-cream/
First annual Food and Nutritional Sciences department retreat! We`re so excited to see where this new road takes us.🤸
#fns #uwmadison #retreat
Congratulations to our Food Science Graduating Class of 2026! We look forward to seeing where your next endeavors take you!🎉💯
On Wisconsin!
#foodscience #uwmadison #graduations #graduating
Check our our Spring 2026 Newsletter! It has all the latest and greatest news from the Department of Food Science.
You can read the newsletter on our website here: https://foodsci.wisc.edu/impact-newsletter-spring-2026/
#foodscience #uwmadison #newsletter
Congratulations to Loren Smith, this years recipient of the Virginia Dare award! This recipient must be an undergraduate students in good academic standing and demonstrate an interested in a future career in food science. Great job Loren! 🎉
#FoodScience #VirginiaDare #UWMadison #Award
Food Science students visiting the GEA Food Testing & Precision Fermentation Facility in Janesville! They gained a better insight into fermentation operations. Looks like they had a great time! 🤓
#foodscience #uwmadison #fermentation
Congratulations to Wendy Lu, this years recipient of the Doug Hyslop award! This recipient is a senior in the food science program, they demonstrate intellectual curiosity, ability, and desire to pursue intellectual excellence. Great job Wendy! 🎉
#FoodScience #DBHyslop #UWMadison #Award
Congratulations to Food Science Department Administrator, Marcia Verhage, for being a recipient of the 2026 CALS Academic Staff Excellence Award! Marcia has shown an excellence in performance, always going above and beyond to help those around her and always having a positive attitude to those around her. We are proud to have Marcia as the Department Administrator within our department.
#FoodScience #UWMadison #AcademicStaffExcellence
@babcockdairy released a limited edition ice cream flavor inspired by UW alumna, author, and philanthropist Sue Patterson and her husband, best-selling author James Patterson. This flavor is available now at available local retail and scoop shops for a limited time, so get yours today! 🍦🏃
#foodscience #uwmadison #icecream #Dairystore #babcock #babcockdairy #jamespatterson #suepatterson
