Dr. John C. Frelka

Dr. John C. Frelka received his B.S. in Food Science and Technology with an emphasis in Consumer Food Science from UC Davis and went on to receive an M.S. at UC Davis in Food Science and Technology with an emphasis on Food Microbiology. John’s thesis research surrounded the post-harvest safety of California walnuts including application of chemical sanitizers. John went on to complete his Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology at The Ohio State University where his research focused on the thermo-physical properties of frozen food systems. While pursing his Ph.D., John also worked as a laboratory manager and researcher, studying the stability and physical properties of food products with a focus on proteins and carbohydrate systems. Since graduating, he has worked at The Coca-Cola Company in Global Scientific and Regulatory Affairs working on global message development and scientific and social media listening. Since returning to California, John has worked in the growing plant-based food industry, developing meat analogs from fungi and as a Scientist at Ripple Foods researching protein and product innovation for plant-based dairy products and managing the internal Analytical program. Currently, John is an R&D Senior Scientist at Del Monte Foods, Inc. on the Snacks/Fruit team focused on Foodservice and Pineapple products.