Welcome to the Food Technologies Laboratory, located within the Food Engineering Department at Middle East Technical University (METU). Our lab is directed by Prof. Dr. Mecit Halil Oztop, a professor with over 100 publications and an h-index of 38. We are a research group focused on finding practical solutions for current challenges in the food industry. Our work includes enhancing research skills for alternative proteins, developing functionalized food products, and creating new quality control methods for industries like sugar and chocolate.

Our research is conducted using our wholly independent facilities, which include a dedicated Food Processing Pilot Lab, multiple benchtop NMR systems, and a well-equipped food analysis laboratory. The Food Technologies Laboratory is active in international collaboration, coordinating and participating in research actions funded by HORIZON, PRIMA, and COST programs. Current projects are centered on creating sustainable protein alternatives, converting food processing waste into sustainable fibers, and improving the quality of dairy products. A key part of our mission is training new researchers, with many PhD and MSc students currently working under our supervision.