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About A La Carte

A La Carte Connections was established in 2010 as a way to help start up entrepreneurs and established food companies bring their products to market.
A La Carte takes on projects in all food spaces, including plant based, meat based, natural, clean label (or complicated labels if you prefer!), confections, keto, low carb, high carb, high or low protein or if you simply want to sell just air!
We help you navigate and solve your technical challenges from bench-top through finished production.
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Meet the A La Carte Team

Our skilled team members are at the center of our success. We are dedicated to providing you with exceptional culinary solutions that will surpass your expectations. Discover the difference our team can make for your business.
Founder, Food Scientist

Rachel Zemser, MS, CCS, CFS

A Certified Food Scientist (IFT) and Certified Culinary Scientist (RCA). Experience and advanced degrees in both food science and culinary arts. Rachel has a BS in Food Science from the University of Massachusetts, an MS degree in Food Microbiology from the University of Illinois and a culinary arts degree from the New York Restaurant School/Art Institute. Rachel has been working in the food industry for 29 years in both technical and creative roles. In addition to running A La Carte Connections , Rachel teaches food science and technology at San Francisco State University, inspiring future students to go down the food science path.

• Certified Culinary Scientist | Research Chefs Association
• Adjunct Professor of Food Science | San Fransisco State University
• Certified Food Scientist | Institute of Food Technologists
• Contributing Author | “Culinology” The Intersection of Culinary Arts and Food Science

Food Scientist

Sohail Nadapur

Sohail earned his B.S. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry but was more interested in a food innovation career. He spent 5 months interning at A La Carte Connections, then worked at Impossible Foods as a product development technician, and has now returned to A La Carte Connections to head up R&D projects. Sohail has a background in formulating keto products, plant based meat analogues and beverages. He brings creativity and discipline to the team.
Industrial Operations and Supply Chain Manager

Michael Freudenthal

Michael Freudenthal thrives on working with clients to solve problems and to implement effective solutions. Michael spent the majority of his career in the industrial manufacturing sector. There he gained experience in operations, supply chain, food safety and continuous improvement. While consulting is his passion by day, Michael enjoys volunteering as a mentor and sustainability advocate in his spare time.

Michael has dedicated his career to helping organizations succeed. He is certified in food safety, continuous improvement and earned his degree in biology from the University of Oregon.

Intern

Tiffany Ellis

Tiffany is a recent Nutrition graduate from San Francisco State, and is interning at A La Carte Connections while getting her online MS degree in food safety. Tiffany assists the team with prototype making, setting up sensory analysis and creating shelf life study protocols.

Food Science News-by Rachel & The A La Carte Team

Chocolate

MSG and Chocolate- the New Frontier

Yes, you can add MSG (monosodium glutamate) to chocolate if you wish. However, it's important…
Food Processing

Should I Use A Co Packer or Do It Myself In A Commercial Kitchen!?

I get lots of calls from entrepreneurs who are just starting out with smaller budgets.…
trade shows

Institute of Food Technologist -IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo 2023 Registration Open

Excited to share that registration is now open for the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual…

Speaking Events
& Training

Rachel has shared her experience and industry insights at a variety of events and interviews. Fill out the contact form below if you’d like more information about Rachel’s availability to speak or participate in any upcoming events.
Contact Rachel

Contact Us

We look forward to speaking with you about your food science needs. Please fill out the form below and we will get back to you with a calendar link to set up a time to speak with us!

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