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Food Taster Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Team Member

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality. * Cares about food presentation; takes the extra time if needed. * Ensures taste, appearance, and ...

Team Member

Lake Forest, CA

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality. * Cares about food presentation; takes the extra time if needed. * Ensures taste, appearance, and ...

Team Member

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality. * Cares about food presentation; takes the extra time if needed. * Ensures taste, appearance, and ...

Food Runner

Corona, CA · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Do you believe food is more than just a meal? At Miguel's, we're passionate about creating ... taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/ or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision ...

Do you believe food is more than just a meal? At Miguel's, we're passionate about creating ... taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/ or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision ...

Food Service Worker

Pomona, CA · On-site

$18.04 - $22/hr

... taste test products. • Sets up stations with entrées, soups, salads, breads, condiments, other food products and utensils. • Provides general stocking duties in service area. • Serves and ...

Food Champion

Corona, CA

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Team Member (Food Champion)State: California    Reports to: Restaurant Leader    ... Talk or hear; taste or smell. * Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision ...

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Monitors quality to ensure the food looks and tastes great and is of high quality. * Models and monitors food presentation and coaches team members when necessary.

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Monitors quality to ensure the food looks and tastes great and is of high quality. * Models and monitors food presentation and coaches team members when necessary.

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Food Taster information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$14

$19

How much do food taster jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for food taster in Riverside, CA is $14.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are food tasters and what do they do?

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 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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Food Taster jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Food Taster jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Taster jobs in Riverside, CA? For Food Taster jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Taster jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Food Taster jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Food Taster jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Food Taster job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Taster job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, and 57% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,665 per year, or $14.7 per hour.
Team Member

Team Member

Jack In The Box

Lake Forest, CA • On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Jack in the Box rating

4.8

Company rating: 4.8 out of 10

Based on 276 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 103 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

"This job posting is for a position in a restaurant owned and operated by an independent franchisee, not Jack in the Box Inc. This means the independent franchisee, and not Jack in the Box Inc. will be your employer if you are hired. The independent franchisee is responsible for all employment related matters in the restaurant including, among other things, setting any requirements for this job and all decisions concerning hiring, firing, discipline, wages, supervision, staffing and scheduling."
POSITION RESUMED: Responsible for delivering an exceptional guest experience by consistently providing excellent service, great tasting / quality food, and a clean restaurant environment for all guests by performing one or more workstations in accordance with Jack in the Box procedures, systems, and standards, and 20/20 guest expectations.
Guest Expectations
Well-trained
  • (Hassle Free) Always says 'YES' to the guest and works with the team to help solve problems; follows the 3-steps (Listens, Says Sorry, Makes it Right) if a problem occurs; and uses Smart Selling Standards Jack in the Box as appropriate.
  • Is very knowledgeable and answers guest questions quickly and accurately
  • Is well prepared and remains calm and productive during busy times; does not look rushed

Neat and Well -Groomed
  • (Clean) Follows Jack in the Box uniform and grooming standards.
  • Cares about looking nice and professional; shirt is tucked in; hair is contained via hat, visor and / or hairnet, and uniform is clean and unwrinkled.

Friendly
  • (Friendly) Acknowledges each guest with a smile, treats everyone with care and respect, always has a positive and friendly attitude.
  • Makes guests feel welcome and special by being ready, smiling, and connecting.
  • Follows the Jack in the Box Hospitality Model on how to treat guests.

Well-Staffed
  • (Clean) Maintains restaurant cleanliness (interior / exterior).
  • Is ready and prepared to serve guests as they arrive.
  • Is organized and responsible.
  • Asks for help, when necessary, to meet guests' needs.
  • He is a good team player and assists co-workers when able.
  • Follows the Jack in the Box Restaurant Policies and Rules in regard to scheduled working hours, breaks, and timekeeping.

Food Tastes Great
  • (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality.
  • Cares about food presentation; takes the extra time if needed.
  • Ensures taste, appearance, and temperature standards are met for all products.

Consistent and Quick Service
  • (Fast) Shows a sense of urgency, hustles, begins cooking and assembling orders immediately, greets guest.
  • Offers consistent, quick service and is always ready and prepared.

Order Accuracy
  • (Accurate) Communicates and works with team to ensure order is accurate for the guest, repeats orders following Jack in the Box standards.
  • Always provides the appropriate number of condiments, napkins, and utensils.
  • Repeats the order to guests by looking in the bag / basket as they hand them their food.
  • Follows bagging standards to ensure quality and accuracy.

Food Safety
  • (Food Safety) Makes sure food is safe for the guest by following all food safety policies and procedures.
  • Follows all hand washing and glove procedures.

It's All About
Brand Ambassador
  • Has passion for the business and pride in Jack in the Box.
  • Inspires team members to embrace the brand.
  • Is proud to represent Jack in the Box.

Focus on the Guest
  • Treats guests with care and respect.
  • Is passionate about serving the guest.
  • Has a happy, personality friendly that is engaging both the guest and other employees.
  • Reads the guest and anticipates their Pays attention to guests' verbal and non-verbal communications and addresses them proactively.
  • Handles guest complaints says 'Yes' to the Guest without arguing, questioning or assuming the guest is Does what is right for the guest.
  • Understands that a guest is never an interruption. They are the first priority.

Team Skills
  • Treats fellow team members with care and respect.
  • It's a good team player.
  • You have a positive attitude can-do.
  • It is dependable and reliable.
  • Is willing to help another.
  • Keeps calm and does not show signs of stress.
  • Is open and willing to work with people of all backgrounds.

Commitment
  • Thrives in a fast-paced, high energy, team environment.
  • Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times.
  • It takes pride in using systems in the restaurant to produce quality products and keep the restaurant clean.
  • Takes corrective action to solve issues that could compromise food safety or food quality.
  • It is flexible and changes direction based on the needs of the business.
  • Works with a sense of urgency.
  • Knows the products and menu.
  • Follows Jack in the Box policies and standards.

Front of Restaurant
  • Includes, but not limited to duties, described below. Performs other duties as assigned or directed.

Guest Service (Dine In / Drive-Thru)
  • Immediately acknowledges and welcomes guests.
  • Takes and clarifies orders, assists guests with menu selection as appropriate.
  • Enter order in POS system, collects money, and makes change.
  • Always thanks guest upon completion of order taking.
  • Assembles order, works with back-up position to ensure order is prepared timely and accurately; personally hands or deliver orders to guests.
  • Maintains cleanliness and stocking of work area.

Interior
  • Empties trash dogs, sweeps and mops floors, cleans dining room tables and chairs, cleans windows and doors.
  • Cleans and stocks restrooms.
  • Cleans and maintains equipment, including drink dispenser, ice bins, and POS equipment.
  • Cleans miscellaneous interior items (ie wipes down menu boards, order counter, etc.). Visually checks and inspects all areas for cleanliness.

Outdoor
  • Sweeps and picks-up trash in parking lots, drive-thru area, sidewalks, and curbs.
  • Empties trash dogs, and cleans miscellaneous exterior items (ie drive-thru menu board).
  • Cleans drive-thru and dumpster slabs. Visually checks and inspects all areas for cleanliness.

Back of Restaurant
  • Includes, but not limited to, duties described below. Performs other duties as assigned or directed.

Assembly
  • Reads video monitor and assembles products using correct ingredients and portioning, correctly packages products, and verifies the appearance and quality of presentation, temperature of product, and order accuracy before delivery to guest.
  • Discards ingredients / products that have expired or do not meet quality standards.

Prep
  • Places frozen products in appropriate place to defrost, places defrosted product in proper container and storage area, and arranges product for first-in, first-out rotation.
  • Open product packages, places in proper storage units, and affixes shelf life Ensures all food and storage areas are kept clean and clean at all times, and you comply with Jack in the Box food safety standards.
  • Visually checks and inspects all ingredients for freshness.
  • Measures, assembles, and prepares ingredients for various products according to product mix information.

Fryer
  • Prepare menu products according to procedure, including: warms / toasts / bread products, operates timers and removes products when timer sounds.
  • Prepare fryer products, including: place products in appropriate rack / basket and places in the correct fryer, operate timers, remove / drain product when timer sounds, product codes, places product in appropriate container and / or holding bin.
  • Discards ingredients / products that have expired or do not meet quality standards.
  • Sets up and maintains equipment; keeps workstation stocked; wearing appropriate safety equipment.
  • Maintains cleanliness and stock of work station areas including the fryer prep area, display bin, freezer, refrigerator, and holding units.

Interior
  • Empties trash dogs, sweeps and mops floors, carpet vacuums, washes tables and chairs, cleans windows and doors; cleans and stocks restrooms.
  • Washes and sanitizes dishes and utensils by hand or using dishwasher.
  • Changes or filters fryer shortening wearing required safety equipment, scrubs fryer units, discards old shortening, cleans vents and fryer screens.
  • Cleans and maintains equipment, including storage freezer, storage refrigerator, drink dispenser, ice bins, syrup lines, grease catch pans, and POS equipment.
  • Cleans miscellaneous interior items (ie wipes down menu boards, order counter,). Visually checks and inspects all areas for cleanliness.

Outdoor
  • Sweeps and picks-up trash in parking lots, drive-thru area, sidewalks, and curbs.
  • Empties trash dogs, and cleans miscellaneous exterior items (ie drive-thru menu board).
  • Cleans drive-thru and dumpster Visually checks and inspects all areas for cleanliness.

Receiving & Storage
  • Receive and store products on delivery following established procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience Guest service or food cook / preparation experience helpful; comfort working in a high volume, fast-paced restaurant environment.
  • Knowledge / Skills / Abilities - Must be at least 16 years old. Understands and communicates clearly in English, may require ability to speak another language based on location of restaurant. Ability to read and understand English, perform basic math (add, subtract, multiply); perform multiple tasks at once; and work effectively in a team environment.
  • Physical Requirements - Ability to stand and walk approximately 90% -95% of shift and move freely throughout the restaurant; ability to lift and carry 15-25 lbs. Ability to listen to guests' orders, operate to cash register, and read video monitors.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Feast Foods, LLC dba Jack in the Box and its affiliates will make reasonable accommodations to allow a qualified individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities and perform the essential functions of the job. This position description should be applied accordingly.
***Note: Any applicant who is offered and accepts employment with the company will be required to review and sign an agreement providing that the company and the employee must submit most employment-related disputes to binding arbitration and forgo proceedings before a jury in court.***

What Jack in the Box employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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Jack in the Box logo

About Jack in the Box

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Welcome to the first step towards the best job you'll ever have. As CEO of Jack in the Box, I may be a bit biased, but hey, this is technically my company and I can say whatever I want. But seriously, we work hard to make Jack in the Box a place where you can start, grow and advance a fulfilling and rewarding career. Whether Jack in the Box is your forever place or a stop along the way, you'll love working here. That's why we attract the best, most fun people on the planet; a one-of-a-kind restaurant for one-of-a-kind employees who crave something different. But don't take my word for it. I've included a few of the top things our people love about working at my company. I mean our company.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1951