Jaime Underwood, the September winner of the Females in Food Spotlight Award, is the Principal at Edible Chemistry and a true advocate for fostering innovation and creativity within the food and beverage industry. With her company sponsoring numerous Females in Food events, Jaime’s commitment to uplifting women in the industry has been both evident and impactful.
Jaime’s journey into the food industry began after a brief stint in biotech. Recognizing that it wasn’t the right fit for her, she sought out a career that was fast-paced and innovative. Her chemistry background translated seamlessly into food science, and she quickly fell in love with the dynamic nature of the field. “Food is ever-changing,” Jaime shares, “there’s always something new to learn and exciting products to try.” This passion for constant innovation and learning has driven her career forward.
At the core of Jaime’s expertise is her specialization in hydrocolloids and stabilization sciences, areas that are fundamental to product development but often overlooked within the broader scope of food science. Hydrocolloids play a critical role in the texture, consistency, and stability of food products, and Jaime’s deep knowledge in this field has been pivotal in advancing product commercialization efforts. As she explains, “Stabilization is essential to every area of food science, yet it’s a skill set that is often underappreciated. I’m passionate about ensuring that this knowledge is passed on to the next generation of food scientists.”
Jaime’s work also extends into commercialization, where she bridges the gap between scientific development and bringing products to market. This expertise has been invaluable to both her team at Edible Chemistry and the broader industry, where she frequently engages in training and mentorship. “I do a lot of training within our team and with other organizations,” she says. “It’s important to me that the next generation of scientists not only understands stabilization but can also apply it in ways that lead to successful commercialization.”
One of Jaime’s proudest accomplishments has been mentoring and teaching young scientists. “It’s important to me that we continue to foster creativity and innovation in the next generation.” Her dedication to mentorship speaks to her broader mission of contributing to a more inclusive and forward-thinking industry.
Despite challenges in large corporate environments, where Jaime found it difficult to navigate political landscapes, she took a leap of faith and launched Edible Chemistry in early 2018. She has since built a team of diverse individuals, each contributing uniquely to the company’s success. “Every single person at Edible Chemistry has helped me grow and become a better human being,” she shares.
Jaime is also inspired by the young entrepreneurs she’s had the pleasure of working with, especially in areas like product development and commercialization. Companies such as Amborella Organics, Bella Bars, and Ascentix Labs have pushed the boundaries of innovation, and Jaime is proud to have supported their journeys.
The support Jaime has received from the Females in Food community has been pivotal in her professional growth. After years of feeling isolated in corporate environments, she found in FIF a network of genuine support. “This group wants nothing more than to lift all of its members up,” she says. The backing from this community has been instrumental in her business’ growth, and Jaime makes it a priority to offer the same support to others.
Jaime’s core values shine through in both her personal and professional life: seeing and valuing people for their unique contributions, investing in human capital, and always striving to be a giver, not a taker. “Take care of your people,” she emphasizes, “and they will take care of you.”
