Our Mission

We are on a mission and committed to transforming food experiences and advancing the global food system through intentional food product and menu design leveraging responsible practices, and rigorous culinary research.

Our robust culinary insights and research serves as the cornerstone of our chef-driven, environmentally responsible food innovations and menus, designed to meet both domestic and global needs. By forging vital partnerships across industries, we bring ideas to life, translating them into practical, lasting solutions that make a difference for people and the planet.

Join us in bringing delightful and tasty products as well as food experiences to life and building a future rooted in sustainability for generations to come!

Our Unique Approach

Meet Christine Farkas, founder of IHeartFood Consulting—a culinary innovator who blends creativity with strategy, moving seamlessly from the R&D kitchen, to production line, to the boardroom, to event stage. With over 15 years of experience in culinary innovation and R&D in consumer packaged goods, Christine leverages her expertise as a Certified Research Chef to transform bold ideas into crave-worthy, scalable food solutions.

Christine is passionate about alternative proteins and plant-forward innovation, reshaping the future of food by merging delightful sensory experiences, nutrition, and sustainability. Her work spans plant protein, soups, sauces, condiments, bakery, and more. She's worked with leading organizations including Canada's Smartest Kitchen at the Culinary Institute of Canada, Campbell Soup Company, Chosen Foods, Oasis Naturals, Pulse Canada, USA Pulses, The Almond Board of California, academic institutions, and more.

A true global explorer, Christine’s love of travel fuels her passion for gaining insights into food trends, culinary innovations, and food technologies from around the world. She thrives on meeting fellow founders and collaborating on exciting, boundary-pushing projects that inspire change and drive the industry forward, one bite at a time.

About IHFC

Our Services

Transforming food experiences and food systems through strategic culinary research and development for consumer packaged goods brands and foodservice.

Chef-Inspired Ideation & Product Development

Leveraging classical training and modern culinary techniques, we help conceptualize and develop products that delight the senses and meet nutritional goals. With expertise in a variety of ingredients and processes from traditional to innovative, every product is intentionally designed and must be tasty!

Industry Presentations & Workshops

We craft and deliver compelling presentations at industry conferences, seminars, and workshops. Our presentations are designed to share insights, promote innovative culinary trends, and engage industry peers, enhancing your brand’s influence and thought leadership.

Culinary Research

We delve into food trends, consumer insights, and culinary innovation to keep your offerings on the cutting edge. Our research spans unique market positioning and explores sustainable, emerging ingredients and processes, providing comprehensive insights for delightful and scaleable food products and menus.

Culinary Sales & Buyer Experiences

Specializing in immersive sales experiences, we engage buyers through live culinary engagement, tailored tasting sessions, dynamic trade show representation, and captivating live events and presentations. Our approach ensures ideas and products make a lasting impact and foster strong connections with your target customer and audience.

Gallery

We’re pleased to present a curated selection of highlights from our work with clients. These include facilitating innovation workshops, driving product development, sourcing exceptional ingredients, presenting at conferences, and much more! We are passionate about sharing knowledge and have the privilege of presenting as a thought leader at industry events and conferences, inspiring meaningful conversations and driving innovation forward.

Listen to the Podcast

Welcome to Munching on Molecules, your portal to the world of culinary delights, food science, and global gastronomy!

Join hosts, Christine Farkas (research chef/ innovator/ global food & nutrition adventurer) and Lara Tiro (food scientist/super connector/ commercialization expert) as they explore the latest in food discoveries and trends from their Canadian backyard and around the world, fostering a delicious food community for enthusiasts and experts alike.

Approachable, inspiring, fun introduction to the world of food technology, science and culinary research.

What can listeners expect to hear?

• Cutting-edge food technologies

• Food scientists and culinary mavens perspectives

• So much more!