»Chapman University Food Innovation

Chapman University Food Innovation supports food companies with R&D projects and small-scale trials using equipment in the state-of-the-art Ranney Food Processing Laboratory housed in the Keck Center for Science and Engineering. Our campus is in the city of Orange, located in Southern California, approximately 35 miles south of Los Angeles. Designed with drop down utilities and epoxy floors, the FDA registered laboratory is outfitted with new equipment including a Microthermics UHT/HTST system with in-line homogenizer on which we can pasteurize dairy and non-dairy, plant-based beverages, creamers, teas, juices, kombucha, etc. The lab is also equipped with a stand-alone homogenizer, a spray dryer, freeze dryer, coffee roaster, and much more (see detailed list below). The lab has been designed for teaching purposes, research and development, and to assist the food companies with small-scale trials to evaluate their formulations for quality, flavor and color changes, stability, and product styling. For more details on our capabilities, please check out our FAQ.

For more information, or to schedule a visit, contact us at foodinnovation@chapman.edu

Sara Marino

Senior Flavor Chemist, Custom Flavors

"Custom Flavors had the opportunity to collaborate with the Chapman Innovation Lab on two separate projects—one involving spray drying trials and another utilizing the MicroThermics pasteurizer. The overall experience was highly valuable and productive. From a technical standpoint, the trials provided critical insights into the key variables influencing our formulations. The data generated gave us both the confidence and clarity needed to progress to larger-scale testing. Additionally, the team at Chapman was highly knowledgeable, collaborative, and genuinely engaged throughout the process. Their curiosity and willingness to deepen their understanding of flavor systems made for a very constructive working relationship. I would strongly support continued collaboration with Chapman and their team."

Francisco Parada Rabell, Ph.D.

Director, Strategic Technical Sales, Mara Renewables

"Mara’s mission is to enhance human health by delivering sustainable, fish-free Omega-3s from microalgae—accessible and enjoyable for all. Our commitment to innovation drives us to explore new ways to formulate delicious, nutrient-rich foods and beverages. Our collaboration with the Ranney Food Processing Laboratory was instrumental in advancing our expertise in omega-3 DHA fortification, providing us with insights and state-of-the-art processing capabilities. For those dedicated to scientific excellence, the lab is the go-to partner, offering a great facility for small-scale food and beverage innovation."

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Do you work with startups?

Yes, if we have the expertise to work on the product and the entity is an LLC.

Do you conduct microbial analysis?

Unfortunately, we do not have the capability to conduct microbial analysis or microbial shelf-life studies. We can send samples to a microbiology lab of your choice.

Do you conduct accelerated shelf-life studies?

We have limited ability to conduct accelerated shelf-life studies. We have temperature-controlled incubators, but they are not humidity controlled. These studies may include physical and quality aspects such as pH, color, viscosity, brix, and titratable acidity. For microbial and nutritional tests, we would send samples to third-party labs.

Do you conduct process authority reviews?

No, we are not a process authority. We suggest looking at the Association of Food and Drug Officials, Food Processing Authority directory. Some other options include Eurofins, Safe Food Team, TechniCal, and IEH Laboratories.

Do you conduct nutritional analysis?

We can provide preliminary nutritional analysis using food labeling software. For a finished nutritional facts label, we recommend using a service that provides accurate label information.

Do you conduct sensory analysis?

Yes, a variety of sensory studies can be conducted including consumer testing, focus groups, and trained sensory panels. All sensory inquiries are handled by Dr. Uyen Phan <uphan@chapman.edu>

Do you have a fixed fee schedule?

We cost out each project individually based on the project scope, time, analyses, and equipment needed to execute the project.

Can products produced in this lab be sold?

No, products produced in this lab cannot be sold. They may, however, be used as samples at expos and to send to prospective clients.

Are you able to ship finished product?

Yes, we are happy to ship out any products, given you provide us with a FedEx account number.

If you are interested in a product trial please download and complete the Project Scope form and e-mail it to Dr. Prakash at foodinnovation@chapman.edu. Please also review our Use Policy.

A few of our frequently used equipment/amenities: