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Food Taster Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Food Caterer

Afton, MN ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Looking for part-time and full-time food caterers. Must be able to lift 50 lbs and must have a ... exclusive tastings, multi-course dinners and special events; wine education; and of course, fun!

Food Service Manager

Wayzata, MN ยท On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Responsibilities: * Run shifts effectively to provide great food and excellent guest service ... While folks can vividly recall the first time they bit into a ButterBurger or tasted a scoop of ...

Food Service Manager

Champlin, MN ยท On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Responsibilities: * Run shifts effectively to provide great food and excellent guest service ... While folks can vividly recall the first time they bit into a ButterBurger or tasted a scoop of ...

Fast Food Attendant

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$20.55/hr

The Fast Food Attendant is responsible for performing a variety of duties within a fast food ... The associate is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, taste, and smell.

Fast Food Attendant

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$20.55/hr

The Fast Food Attendant is responsible for performing a variety of duties within a fast food ... The associate is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, taste, and smell.

Fast Food Attendant

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$20.55/hr

The Fast Food Attendant is responsible for performing a variety of duties within a fast food ... The associate is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, taste, and smell.

Fast Food Attendant

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$20.55/hr

The Fast Food Attendant is responsible for performing a variety of duties within a fast food ... The associate is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, taste, and smell.

Oversee food preparation and cooking, ensuring that all items meet company standards for taste, quality, portion size, and appearance. * Ensure compliance with all local health codes and food safety ...

Food Service Manager

Wayzata, MN ยท On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Responsibilities: * Run shifts effectively to provide great food and excellent guest service ... While folks can vividly recall the first time they bit into a ButterBurger or tasted a scoop of ...

Responsibilities: * Run shifts effectively to provide great food and excellent guest service ... While folks can vividly recall the first time they bit into a ButterBurger or tasted a scoop of ...

Food Service - Head Cook

Staples, MN ยท On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Monitor food quality, appearance, taste, and temperature throughout preparation and service. * Serve meals in a courteous, efficient, and student-friendly manner. * Adjust production quantities as ...

Food Service - Head Cook

Menahga, MN ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Monitor food quality, appearance, taste, and temperature throughout preparation and service. * Serve meals in a courteous, efficient, and student-friendly manner. * Adjust production quantities as ...

We provide a full complement of food and beverage offerings that include chef-attended action stations, a carving station, and Taste of the Ballpark fan favorites. Our business is all about people ...

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Food Taster information

See Minnesota salary details

$8

$13

$17

How much do food taster jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for food taster in Minnesota is $13.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.30 and $15.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food taster?

Food tasters are professionals who sample food and beverages to evaluate their flavor, texture, appearance, and safety. Their role is crucial in food manufacturing, product development, and quality control to ensure products meet certain standards before reaching consumers. Food tasters may work for restaurants, food companies, or even government agencies. In some cases, they also check for harmful substances or allergens. Their feedback helps improve recipes and maintain consistent product quality.

What does a food taster do?

A food taster is a quality assurance worker whose responsibilities are to test food products for different characteristics, such as appearance, smell, taste, flavor, and quality of the ingredients. Your duties in this career include taking small bites of different products and judging them against specific standards laid out by the manufacturer or cooking department. Some food tasters work full-time as food technicians, scientists, and marketers. Other food tasters are everyday consumers who consult for companies. Many of these consumers work in other fields in the food industry.

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

To thrive as a Food Taster, you need a highly developed sense of taste and smell, knowledge of food safety, and sometimes culinary or food science qualifications. Familiarity with sensory evaluation techniques, palate cleansing methods, and sometimes certification from sensory analysis courses are commonly required. Attention to detail, objectivity, and strong communication skills help you deliver reliable feedback and work effectively with product development teams. These skills are vital to ensure the quality, safety, and market appeal of food products.

What are some common challenges faced by food tasters in their daily work?

Food tasters often encounter challenges such as palate fatigue, which can make it difficult to accurately assess flavors after multiple tastings. Maintaining strict hygiene and health standards is crucial, as food safety is a top priority. Additionally, food tasters must remain objective and consistent in their evaluations, even when tasting products that may not align with their personal preferences. Collaboration with product developers and chefs is frequent, requiring clear communication to provide constructive feedback that can guide recipe adjustments.

What is the difference between Food Taster vs Food Critic?

AspectFood TasterFood Critic
CredentialsOften no formal credentials, but some may have culinary trainingJournalism or culinary background, sometimes with certifications
Work EnvironmentTest kitchens, food production facilities, or tasting panelsRestaurants, media outlets, or online platforms
Employer & IndustryFood companies, manufacturers, or research labsMedia, newspapers, magazines, or online review sites

Food Tasters focus on evaluating food for quality, safety, and flavor during product development or testing. Food Critics analyze and review restaurants or food products for public audiences, often writing articles or reviews. While both roles involve tasting food, Tasters are more involved in quality control, whereas Critics provide subjective evaluations for consumers.

What qualifications do you need to be a food taster?

Food tasters typically need a good sense of taste and smell, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions precisely. A background in food science, nutrition, or culinary arts can be beneficial, and some positions may require health clearances or certifications. Physical stamina and the ability to work in a controlled environment are also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Taster jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Food Taster jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Taster jobs in Minnesota?

For Food Taster jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Taster jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Taster jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Food Taster jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Food Taster job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Food Taster jobs in MN?

For Food Taster jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Food Taster job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, 61% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,788 per year, or $13.8 per hour.

Food Sensory Panelist - Part Time (approx 10 hrs/week)

Marshall, MN โ€ข On-site

Schwans
Food and Drink Manufacturingย โ€ขย 5 - 10K employees

$17/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

At CJ Schwan's, we don't just make food - we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baronยฎ, bibigoยฎ, Tony'sยฎ, Big Daddy'sยฎ, Freschettaยฎ, Pagodaยฎ, Edwardsยฎ and Mrs. Smith'sยฎ. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.
We are hiring 2 Food Sensory Panelists! These are part-time roles where we need your participation typically on Tuesday and Thursdays (occasional Wednesdays) from 9:00am to noon. You will be responsible for providing accurate information and feedback regarding tasting of food products for different characteristics, such as appearance, smell, taste, flavor, and quality of the ingredients. Think of yourself as a "sensory evaluator" whose feedback can help CJ Schwan's be the best it can be!
Responsibilities
  • Provides feedback to supervisor and/or moderator through discussion of testing results.
  • Utilizes proper sensory tools to evaluate products.
  • Adheres and follows all established and communicated procedures, processes and rules governing the panelist role.
  • Learns and utilizes all sensory tools, training and information provided by supervisor/moderator.
  • Learns and utilizes the computer system to enter data.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Years of Related Experience: No experience is required.
  • Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Basic PC skills; human relations skills sufficient to communicate with and provide information to supervisor/moderator; ability to read written documentation containing specific program terminology sufficient to follow instructions; ability to taste and ingest any type of food product currently under development

Compensation and Benefits:
The hourly rate for this position is $17.00 per hour.
CJ Schwan's and its employing subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, veteran status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. Schwan's Company also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about an accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email career.search@schwans.com
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Schwan's Home Delivery logo

About Schwan's Home Delivery

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1952, we have been delivering delicious meal solutions for you to share with family and friends -- any time of the day and for any occasion. Some may know us for our ice cream but millions more choose us for our superior quality foods such as wild-caught seafood, USDA choice meats, flavorful fruits and vegetables and of course, decadent desserts. All 100% satisfaction guaranteed. And all frozen fresh and delivered to your door.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Marshall, MN, US

Year founded

1952