RD Exam Food Science Practice Questions
Original RD exam practice questions on food science and food composition, written to CDR’s outlines
145 questions across all nine areas in 3 hours, with a score for food science and every domain so you know where you stand.
Free food science drillA foodservice director wants to serve beef chuck, a cut high in connective tissue. Which cooking method will make it most tender?
Food Science and Food Composition on the RD exam
Food science questions ask why a recipe failed and how to fix it, how cooking changes color, texture and nutrients, and what a label claim means. From January 2027 they sit in the new Food Science and Food Systems domain.
- On the outline
- Through 2026: Domain I, Principles of Dietetics (topic A). From 2027: Domain IV, Food Science and Food Systems (topic A)
- Our drill
- 10 questions from 38 food science questions, untimed, an explanation after every answer; one free attempt, unlimited with a pass
What food science and food composition questions test
- Starch gelatinization and retrogradation, gluten development and flour choice
- Egg, milk and meat cookery, emulsions, gels, pectin and sugar crystallization
- Maillard browning, caramelization, enzymatic browning and plant pigments
- Water activity, pH and canning, irradiation, additives and fortification
- Nutrition Facts, nutrient content, health and structure/function claims, allergen and bioengineered labeling
Sit the full exam under the real clock
145 questions across all nine areas in 3 hours, with a score for food science and every domain so you know where you stand.
Free food science drillHow to study it
- Learn the cause and fix for common recipe failures (thin filling, weeping custard, olive green beans).
- Memorize the FDA nutrient content claim cutoffs you will meet most, such as low sodium (140 mg).
- Take the food science drill, then the foodservice drill.
Common questions
Where is food science on the RD exam outline?
On the 2022-2026 outline (exams through December 31, 2026) it is in Domain I, Principles of Dietetics (topic A). On the 2027-2031 outline (exams from January 1, 2027) it is in Domain IV, Food Science and Food Systems (topic A). CDR publishes percentages for domains, not for individual topics.
Are food science questions only about recipes?
No. They also cover food composition, nutrient databases, labeling and claims, functional foods and phytochemicals, sensory evaluation, and preservation and safety.
145 questions across all nine areas in 3 hours, with a score for food science and every domain so you know where you stand.
Free food science drillMore RD exam practice
- 2027 outline
- Human Nutrition and Life-Cycle Needs
- Nutrition Education and Counseling
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Screening, Assessment and Nutrition Diagnosis
- Medical Nutrition Therapy and Nutrition Support
- Community and Public Health Nutrition
- Management, Ethics and Professional Practice
- Foodservice Systems and Food Safety
- Practice exam, 2022-2026 outline (145 questions, 3 hours)
- Practice exam, 2027 outline (145 questions, 3 hours)
- RD exam calculations drill
Sources
- CDR: RD Exam Candidate Handbook 2026 (format, timing, scoring, fee, retest wait)
- CDR: RD Exam Overview (lifetime attempt limit from 2027, test bundle)
- CDR: Study resources, both test specifications, the 2022 vs 2027 comparison and CDR practice questions
- CDR: 2027-2031 RD Test Specifications and Expanded Study Outline (PDF)
- CDR: RD Examination Eligibility Requirements
- CDR: RD Exam Pass/Fail Statistics
- CDR: Exam FAQ (four options, no review, calculator)
- CDR: Professional Development Portfolio (75 CPEUs every 5 years)
Original practice questions for exam preparation, written to CDR’s 2022-2026 and 2027-2031 RD test specifications, not CDR exam questions. Independent practice, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or Pearson VUE. RD and RDN are credentials of CDR and marks of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.