Functional Chocolate Confection Development

I am looking for an experienced Food Technologist / Food Scientist to develop a premium functional confectionery product. The product will be a small-format, high-quality chocolate-based delivery system infused with functional/nutritional actives. The goal is to create a product that balances taste, stability, and functional efficacy. This is an early-stage startup project, and I am seeking support from concept to pilot-ready formulation. ⸻ Scope of Work: 1. Formulation Development • Develop a stable chocolate-based formulation suitable for functional fortification • Ensure compatibility of active ingredients with the base matrix • Maintain taste, texture, and mouthfeel • Address bitterness or off-notes through appropriate techniques 2. Ingredient Strategy (High-Level) • Recommend suitable ingredient formats (encapsulated, coated, etc.) • Ensure compatibility and stability within confectionery systems • Align with Indian regulatory requirements 3. Dosage Framework • Define structuring of actives per serving unit • Ensure safe and practical consumption levels 4. Shelf-Life & Stability • Identify potential stability risks (moisture, oxidation, interaction) • Recommend shelf-life strategy • Suggest suitable packaging approach 5. Pilot Batch Development • Provide lab/kitchen-scale recipe • Process steps including mixing, refining, tempering, etc. 6. Scale-Up Guidance • Key considerations for contract manufacturing • Process and formulation adjustments for larger batches ⸻ Deliverables: • Final formulation (with % composition) • Structured ingredient framework • Step-by-step pilot batch process • Dosage guidance per serving • Shelf-life recommendations • Basic nutritional estimate • Scale-up notes ⸻ Preferred Candidate Profile: • Degree in Food Technology / Food Science • Experience in confectionery, chocolate, or functional foods • Strong understanding of ingredient interactions & taste masking • Familiarity with FSSAI or global food regulations

ID do Projeto: 40307379