Diana Klaser Cheng

Director and Principal Scientist, Union Beach, NJ

Diana Klaser Cheng, Ph.D., is a flavor scientist who spends her days exploring one of the most complex and joyful puzzles in food: taste. As a research leader at IFF, she works at the intersection of chemistry, sensory science and creativity.

But Diana’s work goes far beyond formulas and lab benches. She’s part chemist, part sensory explorer — investigating how subtle shifts in ingredients, aroma and texture can transform the eating experience and unlock entirely new possibilities for flavor. If flavor has a frontier, Diana Klaser Cheng is helping define it, translating science into experiences that shape how the world tastes.

Diana Klaser Cheng
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Notable Achievements

Advancing Flavor Design Through Science Diana has helped push the boundaries of flavor creation by combining chemistry, sensory science and consumer insight to solve complex taste challenges. Her work has contributed to the development of flavor systems that balance aroma, taste and mouthfeel.

Turning Sensory Insight into Product Innovation Through her deep understanding of how ingredients interact on a molecular and sensory level, Diana has supported customers in refining formulations and improving overall eating and drinking experiences. By identifying subtle interactions between flavor, aroma and texture, she has helped transform early-stage concepts into products that perform in real-world consumer testing.

Helping Brands Navigate Modern Formulation Challenges As consumer expectations shift toward better-for-you products and more complex flavor profiles, Diana has played a key role in helping companies overcome formulation hurdles—from maintaining flavor integrity during sugar or sodium reduction to preserving indulgent taste in healthier product formats.

Hand holding a spoon, picking up grapefruit-flavored beverage flavor powder, getting ready to sprinkle into a glass of water. Water and a grapefruit sitting next to cup of flavor

Featured Articles

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Mood by Design: A New Patent Advances the Science of Flavor and Feeling 

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Stretching the limits: The challenges and opportunities shaping global pizza cheese production

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The living science of kefir: How cultures shape flavor, texture and authenticity

IFF expert working on vanilla flavors in the laboratory

The Power of Vanilla in High-Protein and Health-Forward Products 

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Kefir or kefir-like? Why understanding the difference matters 

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The kefir renaissance