The Food Scientist Who Makes The
Complicated Simple

Hi, I'm Abbey — PhD food scientist, educator, YouTuber, and consultant. I help food entrepreneurs build better products and curious people actually understand what's in their food.

Dr. Abigail Thiel in lab coat with food science samples

About Abbey

Food Science Found Me By Accident. I've Been Running With It Ever Since.

I'm a food scientist who found my calling completely by chance — I was scrolling through UW-Madison's list of majors as a freshman when I came across Food Science. Best accidental decision I've ever made.

I went on to complete my BS and PhD at UW-Madison, studying the microstructure of foods like ice cream and whipped topping. After graduating, I did postdoctoral research at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, one of the world's leading food science institutions. Now I split my time between consulting with food startups, and sharing what I know through YouTube, books, and this blog.

I have a PhD, but I'd rather be the guide in the room than the loudest expert. My job isn't to make food science sound impressive — it's to make it useful. You'll get straight answers, honest context, and practical information you can actually use.

Learn More About Abbey
Dr. Abigail Thiel portrait with Making Food Better graphic
Dr. Abigail Thiel in lab coat with food science samples, graphic illustration design

Work With Me

Building A Food Product? Let's Make Sure It Actually Works.

Independent, Science-Based Consulting For Food Entrepreneurs And Startups — From First Concept To Finished Product.

Most food entrepreneurs don't have a food scientist on staff. That's where I come in. I work directly with founders and small food companies who are bringing a new product to market and don't want to learn everything the expensive way.

I'm not attached to any supplier or manufacturer. My only job is to help you make better decisions — on formulation, ingredients, shelf life, manufacturing, and packaging — so your product gets to market right the first time.

How I Support

  • Concept Development

    Your idea, refined. We'll pressure-test your product concept against consumer expectations and market reality before you invest further.

  • Formulation & Recipe Optimization

    I take the time to understand your vision and craft a formula that meets your goals — taste, texture, stability, and shelf life — without cutting corners.

  • Ingredient Sourcing

    Quality matters from the start. I'll help you identify the right ingredients and suppliers so your product is consistent, scalable, and built to last.

  • Process Development

    From pilot batch to production, I'll help you develop efficient, scalable processes that keep your product performing the way it should — at any volume.

Product Categories I Work In

  • Dairy & Dairy Alternatives
  • Confectionery
  • Pet Food
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Beverages
  • Packaged Food Products

From Concept To Shelf

Your success is my success. With a PhD in food science, postdoctoral research experience, and years of consulting, I'm not just here to give advice — I'm here to be your partner. I genuinely care about getting your product right. Here's a look at some of the products I've helped bring to life.

  • Functional Chocolate Squares — 72% Cacao With Creatine And 12 Essential Vitamins

  • Crispy Rice Treats — Private Label Product Sold Nationally At Walmart

  • Buffalo's Best Sponge Candy — Award-Winning Artisan Confectionery, Featured On Food Network

  • Premium Wisconsin-Made Gelato Using Traditional Italian Techniques And Natural Ingredients

  • Innovative Convenient Pasta Dish — Quality Without Compromise

Work With Me

Here's Where To Start

Whether you're building a food product or just curious about what's in your food — there's something here for you.

  • Abbey sitting in front of desk smiling

    Consulting

    Work With Me - Need a food scientist in your corner? I help food entrepreneurs and startups develop better products — before small problems become expensive ones.

    See How I Can Help
  • Abbey's 3 books displayed on a desk

    Books

    Books - From academic guides to food-themed kids' books — I've written and edited across the range.

    Browse My Books
  • Abbey sitting on chair besides a wall with food graphics on the wall

    Blog

    Blog & Resources - From bioengineered foods to food chemistry — the blog answers the questions people actually have about food.

    Read The Blog
  • Picture of abbey sitting on couch with youtube logo

    YouTube

    YouTube & Media - I've been making food science videos since 2020. Come for the curiosity, stay for the chemistry.

    Watch On YouTube
Abbey's books

The Books

I've Put What I Know Into Print.

I've spent time on both sides of the desk — as a researcher and as a teacher — and I've put that experience into print. My books range from an academic guide to food science careers, to food-themed content for curious kids. There's probably something here for you, whatever stage you're at.

Browse My Books

Watch & Learn

157,000 Subscribers Come To Learn. You're Welcome Too.

Since 2020, I've been making food science videos that actually try to explain things — not just show pretty food. The channel has grown to 157,000+ subscribers and 4 million views, covering everything from why carbonated water burns your throat to how global warming is changing your morning coffee. Come curious. There are 289 videos waiting for you.

Visit The YouTube & Media Page

The Blog

Where Food Questions Get Real Answers.

Food is full of questions most people never get a straight answer to. The blog is my attempt to fix that — covering food chemistry, food investigations, manufacturing science, and the everyday things you probably wondered about but never looked up.

Good for the casually curious. Useful for food professionals too.