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Food Panelist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cargill

Sensory Taste Panelist

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$20/hr

This position is in Cargill's food and bioindustrial business, where manufacturers, retailers, and ... As a trained sensory panelist this unique role involves sampling products including tasting ...

Cargill

Sensory Taste Panelist

Plymouth, MN

$20/hr

This position is in Cargills food and bioindustrialbusiness, where manufacturers, retailers, and ... As a trained sensory panelist this unique role involves sampling products including tasting ...

Cargill

Sensory Taste Panelist

Plymouth, MN

$20/hr

This position is in Cargill's food and bioindustrialbusiness, where manufacturers, retailers, and ... As a trained sensory panelist this unique role involves sampling products including tasting ...

Archer Daniels Midland

Quality Sensory Panelist - Decatur, IL This is a part-time, on-site, hourly position Schedule ... Willingness to conduct taste and sensory evaluations on the following foods or food ingredients ...

ADM

Sensory Panelist - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL

$20/hr

Quality Sensory Panelist - Decatur, ILThis is a part-time, on-site, hourly positionSchedule:Tuesday ... food ingredients:plant-based proteins, including soy and pea proteinpulse ingredients and edible ...

Hersheys

Part-Time Sensory Panelist

Hershey, PA · On-site

Food safety and handling training\Serve Safe. #IND The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and ...

Bell Flavors & Fragrances

Sensory Scientist

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

... food safety and compliance * Design and execute sensory and consumer panel studies * Oversee descriptive analysis programs, including panelist recruitment and training * Analyze data and communicate ...

Eurofins Scientific

Sensory Panel Manager

Clark, NJ

$115K/yr

Best in class Join our very diverse team of sensory scientists, food technologists, statisticians ... Address panelist performance or conduct issues in a timely and professional manner. 3. Sensory ...

Eurofins

Sensory Panel Manager

Clark, NJ · On-site

$115K/yr

Best in class Join our very diverse team of sensory scientists, food technologists, statisticians ... Address panelist performance or conduct issues in a timely and professional manner. 3. Sensory ...

Kalispel

Summer Concert Concession Runner

Airway Heights, WA · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

... food usage and quality control * Cleans and sanitizes work areas, equipment and utensils, segregates and removes garbage. * Distributes supplies and utensils * May be required to be a panelist for ...

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Food Panelist information

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How much do food panelist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for food panelist in the United States is $13.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $13.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in food?

In the food industry, executive chef and food service managers tend to be among the highest paying roles, especially in upscale restaurants or large food corporations. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and sometimes specialized certifications, with salaries varying based on location and establishment size.

What qualifications do I need to be a food taster?

Food panelists typically need good taste and smell senses, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions precisely. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually sufficient, and some roles may require basic knowledge of food safety and hygiene. Prior experience in tasting or sensory evaluation can be beneficial but is not always required.

What is a food panelist?

A food panelist is a person who participates in taste tests and sensory evaluations to provide feedback on food products. They typically assess flavor, texture, and overall quality, often working in controlled environments and following specific instructions. This role may require good sensory perception and attention to detail.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs such as specialized food panelist roles, which involve tasting and evaluating food products, can sometimes pay around $2,000 per day for experienced professionals or those with unique expertise. These positions often require specific skills, certifications, or a reputation in the industry and are typically project-based or part of exclusive testing panels.

What are food panelists?

Food panelists are individuals who participate in taste tests and sensory evaluations to provide feedback on the flavor, texture, appearance, and overall quality of food products. They may be trained experts or regular consumers, depending on the type of test being conducted. Food manufacturers and researchers use the opinions of food panelists to improve recipes, develop new products, and ensure consistency in quality. Panelists' input helps companies understand consumer preferences before launching products to the wider market.

What is the difference between Food Panelist vs Sensory Analyst?

AspectFood PanelistSensory Analyst
CredentialsOften no formal certification, but may require trainingTypically requires specialized training or certification in sensory evaluation
Work EnvironmentFood testing labs, focus groups, product development settingsResearch labs, product testing facilities, sensory evaluation centers
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, market research firms, product development teamsFood industry, research institutions, sensory science companies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in food testing and product feedbackUnderstanding scientific evaluation and sensory analysis careers

Food Panelists primarily provide feedback on food products through taste tests and focus groups, often without formal certifications. Sensory Analysts perform detailed scientific evaluations of food sensory properties, usually with specialized training. Both roles are essential in food development but differ in complexity and scope.

What does a typical tasting session look like for a Food Panelist, and how do they ensure unbiased results?

A typical tasting session for a Food Panelist involves sampling a series of food products in a controlled environment, often following strict protocols to minimize bias. Panelists may evaluate attributes like flavor, texture, aroma, and appearance, sometimes using blind tasting methods to ensure impartiality. Sessions are usually overseen by a sensory scientist or panel leader, and feedback is recorded on standardized forms or digital systems. Maintaining a neutral palate and avoiding external influences are key challenges, but regular palate training and clear guidelines help ensure accurate, unbiased results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Panelist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Panelist, you need a keen sense of taste and smell, attention to detail, and a foundational understanding of food science or sensory evaluation, often supported by relevant training or coursework. Familiarity with sensory analysis tools, standardized tasting protocols, and data recording systems is typically required. Strong communication, objectivity, and consistency are essential soft skills to accurately describe and assess flavors while collaborating with other panelists. These abilities ensure reliable, unbiased feedback that helps companies improve product quality and meet consumer expectations.
What cities are hiring for Food Panelist jobs? Cities with the most Food Panelist job openings:
What states have the most Food Panelist jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Panelist jobs include:
Food Panelist jobs near you
Sensory Taste Panelist

Sensory Taste Panelist

Cargill

Plymouth, MN • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Cargill rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 215 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 48 rated food wholesalers

Job description

This position is in Cargill's food and bioindustrial business, where manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice companies rely on us to consistently deliver the products and services they need, and use our technical expertise and market knowledge to develop innovative products.
Job Purpose and Impact
This is a unique part-time position that works in a team to assist in development of food, beverage, and non-food products (personal care, candles, etc.). In this role, you will evaluate different food and non-food products through appearance/smell/taste/texture. As a trained sensory panelist this unique role involves sampling products including tasting, smelling, consuming and/or applying products, and discussing results with your team.
Job Type: Part -Time
Shift Available: 1st, Monday - Friday from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Compensation: $20.00/hr
New, easy-to-apply options are available for this role: chat wiith our recruiting assistant Ana at careers.cargill.com or text CargillJObs to 60196
Key Accountabilities
  • Be trained on basic tastes (salt, sweet, sour, bitter, umami), recognition of odors, texture/mouthfeel and aftertaste attributes of different food products/ingredients and learn how to use scales to quantify attributes of a product
  • Actively participate in all aspects of the sensory panel including training, attribute generation, reference discussion, ballot development, process finalization, and data collection
  • Work in a team environment on activities during which you will identify, discuss and describe sensory attributes and communicate/share observations effectively with the Panel Leader and other panelists
  • Perform sensory evaluation of different food and non-food products
  • Consistently exhibit sensory acuity and generate consistent data

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Right to work in the U.S. that is not based solely on possession of a student visa or a visa sponsored by a third-party employer
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Ability to understand and communicate in English (verbal/written)
  • Must be able to consume sweeteners, caffeine or caffeine-containing foods and beverages
  • Must not have any food allergies, including allergies to soy, eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, sulfites, or gluten
  • Must not have any other dietary restrictions that may be aggravated by consuming any food ingredients or product
  • Take and pass a series of taste/smell sensory acuity tests
  • Ability to work overtime including weekends, holidays, or different shifts with advance notice
  • Basic computer skills including using Microsoft apps (Outlook, Teams, Excel, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in working as a sensory taste panelist

Considered candidates will receive a phone call from a (952) area code. Please note that this position does not include relocation reimbursement.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet

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About Cargill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cargill was founded in 1865 as a single grain warehouse in Iowa, U.S. Since then, we’ve grown to become a global partner connecting people around the planet. But one thing has remained constant over the years: our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Cargill is committed to conducting business with integrity, operating responsibly, enriching communities and nourishing the world. In the fiscal year 2021, Cargill provided $110.5 million in total charitable contributions in 56 countries to support our communities. Cargill businesses and employee-led groups partner with local civic, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations on programs and projects that improve food security and nutrition; support human rights, equity and inclusion; strengthen farmer livelihoods; and advance our commitments in the areas of land use, water and climate.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

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