How to Become a Food Tester or Food Taster

Food tasters must have a discriminating palate.

Food manufacturers employ food tasters, also known as food testers, throughout the world. There are several methods of entry to the profession whether it be as a professional food taster or recreational food taster. A superior palate is an absolute necessity. Food tasters must be able to compare the flavor, texture and taste of foods and provide an accurate analysis. Large food manufacturers prefer to hire individuals with a food science or culinary degree. Food manufacturing companies also hire marketing companies and the food science department at universities to assemble food tasting panels. Panel participants are paid by cash, coupons or gift cards for their panel participation.

Things You'll Need

• Superior palate
• Food knowledge

Instructions

Professional Taste Tester

1. Obtain a food science or culinary degree.

2. Locate food manufacturing companies. Query the Internet with a search engine. Enter search terms "professional" and "food taster" to begin query.

3. Review query results. The results will include food manufacturing companies and companies organizing food tasting panels.

4. Choose a company from the query results and click on URL to visit the company website for job openings.

5. Locate the career section of company website for job openings and apply.

Food Taster Panel

1. Locate food manufacturers in your geographic area. Search the Internet using terms "food taster" or "food tester." Also add the geographic name to the query.

2. Review the query results. The results will also include job search sites with food taster ads.

3. Choose companies that match your food interest and geographic area. Click on the URL from the query results and search the corporate area of the companies' websites for panel openings.

Tips & Warnings

• Kraft offers online registration for food tasters on the Kraft First Taste website.

References

• Foxnews.com: Professional Tasters Eat and Drink for a Living
• Happenings: USDA taps Chapman for tasteful science
• The Schwan Food Company: Become a Taste Tester

Resources

• Edys: Ask the Taster
• Kraftfoodsfirsttaste: Be among the first to know