How to Make Money Being a Food Tester

Imagine getting paid to eat!

For many of us, isn’t that the ultimate dream?

But there is a way to make this come true – you can test the food (sometimes chocolate), express your opinion and then get paid!

Here are all the important ways by which you can get cash by just testing the food.

 

What is a Food Tester?

As a food tester, research institutes are eager to get your feedback on food products.

You will be asked to attend a research center and will be offered four to five different food items to taste.

Once you have tasted the food, you will be asked to comment on the product – this may be part of the focus group or give a score on the questionnaire.

Between each food sample you will be given a plate cleaner like firecrackers and water so you are ready for the next taste.

Tests can last an hour or two, but can be a bit lengthy if you participate in a focus group.

Making money to eat is a good way to make money, the conditions are very medical and the portions are very small – do not expect a restaurant experience (you should go for mystery shopping if you want to!)

What foods can I test?

All sorts of things – be it chocolate, yogurt or fresh wine – many companies are willing to pay to get your feedback on their product, you can also check here for free food and drink.

 

How Much Can I Do?

Like most testing and focused team opportunities, you are not going to make big money.

Researchers pay between 5 and £ 55, depending on whether you complete a questionnaire or participate in a focus group.

This is a great way to offset your income – it’s not very demanding, and many people want to talk about and contribute to the future of food and beverage products.

It is difficult to make money without fail because you have to meet certain criteria to be called for a test, and many focus group companies do not want the same people to participate in more surveys.

You need to sign up for multiple focus groups and testing companies to maximize your chances of making the most money you can.

 

Where Can I Test Food?

Taste Food is one of the best sites to visit if you are interested in food tastingfood.co.uk – They have tasting centers at Leamington Spa, Chipping Compton and Birmingham.

If you live in Surrey there is the Leatherhead Food Research Center, which also offers food testing opportunities.

If you cannot find a specific food testing system near you, you can try joining a public research team such as FGUK or Take Part and see if any food specific focus group opportunities come up – and there may be other products you like to express your opinion.

 

Nutrition Courses

You can also earn some money by participating in nutrition research, which goes deeper than simply expressing your opinion about the taste of the food.

Nutrition research is a long-term study of the effects of foods on your body. For example, your weight may be monitored or you may need to determine how hungry you are after eating a certain product for a few weeks.

In some cases you may also need to provide blood samples, so make sure it is convenient for you if you plan to take part in one of these studies.

The amount you can earn varies at each research center, but Leatherhead Food Research, for example, promises a ‘quota fee to cover your time and travel expenses’.