by Chris Durst Apr. 27, 2020
Calling all Foodies! Get paid to taste food!
Most of us have heard about “food testers” and “taste testers” and wondered how someone gets such an awesome job.
Well, following are some opportunities for you to join the people who taste food and beverages and give companies their opinion.
These are NOT full-time positions, and some may require you to do your tasting on-site while others will be in your home.
Dig into the following websites, pick any and all that appeal to you, and register! Bon appetit!
Focus & Testing
Based out of Los Angeles, Focus & Testing is one of the leading taste test centers in the US specializing in food and beverage research.
To register, select your metro area, Los Angeles, Columbus, OH, or “Other.” You will be taken to another screen, which will ask you general information as you join as a research participant and taste tester.
“Our goal is to create an enjoyable experience for all of our research participants and taste testers. Please be assured that all information about you and your family is strictly confidential and only collected for research purposes. We do not sell or make available to anyone outside our organization the names, addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses of our participants
The reward: Our clients understand that you have a busy life, so as a “thank you” for your time, we provide compensation for those who participate – usually $40 for a simple 20-minute test or up to $100 or more for longer research projects.”
NC State University Sensory Service Center US-NC-Raleigh
“We taste test everything from pickles to pork chops! In the past, we have run tests on yogurt, sparkling water, milk, breakfast sandwiches, pretzels, snack foods, ice cream, protein beverages, coffee, and many others!
Whenever we have a new opportunity, we will send out a recruitment email with a survey to take. We want to make sure we match panelists with the types of foods and products they are interested in and use often, so there are different criteria to participate in each test. Please be honest when taking these surveys! If you meet the criteria, it is first come first serve to participate in most tests. When we have enough people for one test, we will close the recruitment survey.”
L&E Opinions
L&E Research is a nationally-known marketing research firm that has been conducting marketing research for more than 20 years.
They use testers for all kinds of products, so register and keep your eye out for the taste testing gigs!
“You give your opinions and L&E Research pays you for your time. We will never attempt to sell you anything and we will always keep any information you provide us secure and confidential.”
McCormick (US, Canada, UK)
If you look in your spice cabinet, you’ll likely see the McCormick label. As a McCormick consumer taste tester, you may be asked to sample a range of foods, snacks and beverages—during tasting sessions in the day or the evening—at their Hunt Valley, Maryland, location or from your home. You’ll be paid, too. How much depends on the type and duration of the taste test, and you can participate up to four times per year.
“We really count on consumer taste buds to develop our flavor products. That includes your taste buds. If you’re interested in joining our testing program, that’s awesome! Read on to see how easy and fun it is.
What’s it like to be a consumer taste tester?
You may be asked to sample a range of foods, snacks and beverages—during tasting sessions in the day or the evening—at our Hunt Valley, Maryland, location or from your home. You’ll be paid, of course. How much depends on the type and duration of the taste test, and you can participate up to four times per year.”
The Taste of Solae US-MO-St. Louis
This one is all about soy! Solae uses taster input to improve the taste and quality of soy-based products for consumers. Solae’s taste panels have helped drive soy innovations in frozen desserts, vegetarian meals and even beef jerky.
Pay is in the form of gift cards.
Testing is done on-site at the DuPont Nutrition site in St. Louis, MO.
“You can help Solae bring more nutritious and great-tasting soy products to the marketplace and into your grocery stores by participating on a Solae Taste Test panel. The panels help our research and development and marketing teams determine the best food and beverage products for the marketplace.
Its easy. Just sign up to be a Taste Tester and you will receive updates on Solae taste testing panels. By participating in panels, you be will be eligible to redeem points for gift cards to your favorite stores and restaurants. And, you will help with development of great-tasting foods across the world.”
Oregon State University Food Innovation Center US-OR
Click on the “Looking for taste testers” link in the right column.
“Consumer acceptance is key in determining a food or agricultural product’s value, and forecasting its success in the marketplace.
The Food Innovation Center’s Consumer Sensory Testing & Research services evaluate consumer response…”
Contract Testing, Inc.
Note: This company also invites you to register your children as testers since the company also tests products designed for children!
“When you test with us, depending on the product, you will be asked to taste, touch, smell and/or look at products and answer questions about them. Sometimes you are asked to take products and try them at home but, for the most part, testing is done at one of our field sites, conveniently located in your area. Most tests are done on a computer.”
“Being a product tester is a great way to earn extra cash in exchange for a short amount of your time and your opinions on various food, beverage, household and personal care products. A minimum of $20-$25 per session is provided, but you could receive more depending on the type and length of the test.”
Penn State Department of Food Science US-PA
“Sensory analysis uses human senses to consistently measure such food characteristics as taste, texture, smell, and appearance in a controlled environment. The information collected assists the food industry in addressing consumer demands and introducing new and improved products.
The Sensory Evaluation Center allows sensory scientists, flavor scientists, food chemists, process and package engineers, and nutritionists to better understand how specific ingredients, processes, packages, or storage conditions affect the sensory properties of foods.”
For more gigs like these, check our Newest Jobs & Gigs page. To be the first to hear about gigs like these, like our Facebook page. Good luck in your next steps toward working from home!
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