High Acid Beverage Lab Manager | Senior Food Scientist
With over 15 years of product development experience in food science and flavor formulation, Taylor Rasmussen blends culinary creativity with technical execution to create craveable, functional foods and beverages. At Sensapure, Taylor leads flavor system innovation for savory and sweet applications, with a track record of launching high-performing RTD supplements, hydration products, and restaurant-quality sauces at scale. A champion of cross-functional collaboration, Taylor has worked with global restaurant chains, major retailers, and fast-growing nutrition brands to bring concept to commercialization—on time and on target.
• M.S., Nutrition and Food Science – Utah State University
• B.S., Nutrition and Food Science – Utah State University
• Certified Culinary Scientist (2011–2022)
• Better Process Control School – University of Tennessee
• Super User – Flavor Studio | Genesis R&D | USDA Labeling
• Pharmatech Labs – Senior R&D Scientist
• Summit Hill Foods – Senior Food Scientist
• Simplot– Senior Food Scientist
As the High-Acid Beverage Lab Manager at Sensapure, Taylor leads the development of flavor-forward, functional beverage systems that are safe, scalable, and shelf-stable. With over 15 years of industry experience and a master’s degree in nutrition and food science, Taylor collaborates with in-house flavor chemists and brand partners to engineer beverage systems that meet today’s demand for clean labels, natural energy, and functional ingredients. His specialty lies in bridging the gap between culinary creativity and commercial feasibility, delivering beverage solutions that taste amazing and perform consistently on a large scale.
• Functional beverage formulation (hydration, energy, wellness)
• Savory & sweet flavor systems (sauces, dressings, powders)
• Clean label formulation, natural sugar, and low-sodium systems
• Commercial scale-up & tech transfer leadership
• Ingredient functionality (gums, starches, process enhancers)
• R&D project management and process optimization
Whether formulating for hydration, sports performance, or immunity, Taylor approaches every project with a deep understanding of ingredient behavior and a commitment to creating memorable flavor experiences.
He’s passionate about balancing salts, top-note preservation, and smart sweetener systems to help brands stand out in competitive markets. Taylor is especially skilled in high-acid systems, where flavor integrity, heat stability, and pH control must work in harmony to ensure both safety and sensory excellence.
Outside of the lab, Taylor is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing, and playing tennis. He also speaks Russian and brings the same sense of curiosity and continuous learning to both his professional and personal life.
What gets him excited to work in product development every day?
“How do we make those flavors really pop and really taste intense, and do it in an inexpensive way? I think that'll be a direction that will be really lucrative.”
Watch Taylor's full interview, or read the research article!
