Increasing your income while having a good time is easier than you think. How amazing would it be to enjoy your favorite meal while being paid for it? This article will give you various ways you can get paid to eat. Whether you prefer online or offline, you have endless opportunities to do so. For example, a great way to earn some additional income is through taste testing food.
You heard that right! If you’re someone who loves trying new foods, you can easily gain from that. Some may thing it sounds weird, but it is very possible and enjoyable for you.
The two basic categories of food testers, one is the professionals who get jobs as product developers, food scientists or food technicians. While the other category is part time workers or sometimes even freelancers for various companies.
To be considered a “professional”, you are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree. On the other hand, even without any certificates, you can still be a freelance tester which is someone involved in pure food tasting while the others include food sampling.
4 Jobs That Will Pay You to Eat
- Food Critic
Becoming a food critic is an amazing job to earn a sufficient amount of cash. Doing so will require you to taste test meals offered in tons of restaurants and hotels, followed by an honest review.
Along with tasting, you will be asked to give opinions on atmosphere and service as well. Most food critics are hired by magazines, food websites or sometimes even newspapers. Keep in mind the competition is extreme and most job opportunities found are doing freelance.
You can do all of this after receiving a degree in English, journalism, communication, or any related fields.
Finally, the average pay of a food critic can reach around $37,000 with some exceeding $100,000 a year.
2. Work as a Taste Tester for Food Manufacturers
Along with independent sensory testing companies, you can be hired directly by a food manufacturer.
Here’s a couple of the biggest manufacturers:
- Schwan Food Company
If you haven’t already heard of Schwan Food Company, it is a very popular food company found in Marshall, Minnesota. Meaning, you must reside near their location in order to work there.
Depending on your demographics, you will have the opportunity to participate up to 3 times a month, or as little as two times a year. They pay an average of $15 per session.
- McCormick Corporation
McCormick is a great opportunity to get paid for food testing if you are located in Maryland, they pay consumers individually to participate in their sessions.
In terms of payment, it varies depending on what food and the length of the session.
3. Eat Food for Frozen Food Companies
Tons of different frozen food companies pay individuals to taste test their food. Their reasoning is to be sure their products are consumable considering their frozen state.
It is very simple to search for companies that do this, and an easy way to get some extra cash.
4. Apps
There are so many different apps you can download that will pay you to eat.
These are some of my favorites:
- Servey
Servey is fun and easy to download on any smartphone. While dining in some of your favorite restaurants, earn rewards for checking in.
You will receive your rewards once you provide feedback about your dining experience.
Download the free Seated app and start earning rewards for making reservations at some of the most exclusive restaurants. This is one of my favorites because the app does the work for you by booking your reservation through the app. Choose a restaurant form their curated list, enjoy your meal, take a photo of your receipt and upload it to the app. It’s simple, and once you upload Seated will reward you with of to 30% of the bill.
- Dosh
Dosh is a great app for someone who already enjoys eating out. Allowing you to earn back between 5% and 10% of your bill, Dosh is an easy extra buck.
You can link your bank account to their free app, once your earnings reach at least $15, they will be deposited directly into your account.
Receive a $10 reward if you signup today!
Overall, all these jobs are quick and easy ways to get extra earnings for participating in something you already do in your daily life. If you didn’t think it was possible to get paid for eating, now you know it is. Whether it is anywhere form freelance to full-time it is worth the extra cash!