Food & farming · Space & science
What does a
sensory scientist do?
Studies how people taste, smell, and feel products like foods and drinks.
A career guide for curious students · Grades 3–12
A day in the life
Designs taste tests, studies the results, and helps companies improve flavours and textures.
Skills to practise
Careful senses, science, honesty.
How to explore this path
A degree in food science, chemistry, or psychology.
Training, qualifications and professional rules vary by country. Check current local requirements with a teacher or careers counsellor.
School subjects & interests
Sensory Scientist connects with Chemistry, Biology. You may enjoy this work if you like hands-on, with people.
TRY A LITTLE OF THIS CAREER
A hands-on activity
Run a blind taste test with three juices and record which one your friends prefer.
Ask an adult to help. Follow the safety notes in the activity. Print this activity or save it as a PDF in your chosen language. Downloadable PDF files are in English.
For younger explorers: a simpler explanation
What do they do?
Sensory scientists study how things taste and smell.
What helps?
Having a keen nose and tongue, and being fair.
Learning about the path
You study food science or chemistry.
Questions to explore next
- Which part of this work sounds most interesting to me?
- What did I enjoy when I tried the activity?
- What could I ask someone who works in this field?