Prime Highlights:
Dr. Alejandro Marangoni, a leading food scientist and professor at the University of Guelph, has been appointed to the Order of Ontario.
His research has revolutionized food science, particularly in fat structure, food functionality, and sustainable food production.
Marangoni’s work has led to advancements in healthier food alternatives and plant-based products.
He was named Officer of the Order of Canada in 2022 and now joins 28 others in receiving this prestigious provincial honor.
Key Background:
Dr. Alejandro Marangoni, a world-renowned scientist in the field of food science, has been named to the prestigious Order of Ontario, one of the province’s highest honors. A professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Guelph and a Tier I Canada Research Chair in Food, Health, and Aging, Dr. Marangoni’s groundbreaking research has had a profound global impact, particularly in the areas of food chemistry and sustainability.
His discoveries in the structure and behavior of fats and oils have transformed the understanding of food functionality and health. By examining the microstructure of fats and identifying an underlying network of fat crystals, Dr. Marangoni has contributed to numerous innovations in food production. His research has enabled the reduction of unhealthy trans and saturated fats in foods by replacing them with healthier alternatives that preserve texture and functionality.
In addition to his work on fats, Dr. Marangoni’s innovations have led to the development of healthier alternatives to palm oil and improved methods for tempering chocolate. He has also advanced plant-based food technology, collaborating with companies such as Daiya Foods to create more nutritious and functional plant-based cheeses. These cheeses boast a higher protein content than typical alternatives and are designed with health in mind, emphasizing nutrition alongside sustainability and taste.
Dr. Marangoni’s work is rooted in a deep commitment to making a tangible impact on society. Originally from Ecuador, he came to Canada in the 1980s to pursue studies in agricultural chemistry and physics, eventually joining the University of Guelph in 1991 after completing his PhD in food science. His passion for food science is driven by a desire to create solutions that are beneficial on a global scale, particularly for developing nations where food industries are vital to the economy.
The Order of Ontario recognizes exceptional individuals who have made a lasting impact on the province and the world. Dr. Marangoni’s appointment underscores his influential role in
advancing both the science of food and the pursuit of healthier, sustainable food systems. He was previously named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2022.