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Taste Test Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Carolina CoPacking

Food Scientist

Henderson, NC · On-site

This role involves hands-on product tasting, analytical testing, and collaboration across ... Analyze test results to identify trends or deviations and recommend corrective actions when ...

Carolina CoPacking

Food Scientist

Henderson, NC

This role involves hands-on product tasting, analytical testing, and collaboration across ... Analyze test results to identify trends or deviations and recommend corrective actions when ...

GPM Investments LLC

Deli Associate

Princeton, NC · On-site

$11/hr

Craft delicious food with attention to safety, cleanliness, and taste. * Keep customers excited ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

New

GPM Investments LLC

Deli Associate

Garner, NC · On-site

$12/hr

Craft delicious food with attention to safety, cleanliness, and taste. * Keep customers excited ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

GPM Investments LLC

Deli Associate

Princeton, NC · On-site

$11/hr

Craft delicious food with attention to safety, cleanliness, and taste. * Keep customers excited ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

New

Handy Mart

Deli Associate

Garner, NC · On-site

$12/hr

Craft delicious food with attention to safety, cleanliness, and taste. * Keep customers excited ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

Handy Mart

Deli Associate

Garner, NC

$12/hr

Craft delicious food with attention to safety, cleanliness, and taste. * Keep customers excited ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

Handy Mart

Deli Associate

Princeton, NC

$11/hr

Craft delicious food with attention to safety, cleanliness, and taste. * Keep customers excited ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

Handy Mart

Deli Associate

Princeton, NC · On-site

$11/hr

Craft delicious food with attention to safety, cleanliness, and taste. * Keep customers excited ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

GPM Investments LLC

Deli Associate

Garner, NC

$12/hr

Craft delicious food with attention to safety, cleanliness, and taste. * Keep customers excited ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

Scotchman

Fas Craves Deli Associate

Benson, NC · On-site

$13/hr

Craft delicious food with attention to safety, cleanliness, and taste. * Keep customers excited ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

Kintura

Line Cook (Glenaire)

Cary, NC · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Tastes all prepared food items. * Cleans kitchen after preparation and serving, maintaining high ... Show evidence of negative TB skin test or the equivalent. * Available to work any shift required as ...

Kintura

Line Cook (Glenaire)

Cary, NC · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Tastes all prepared food items. * Cleans kitchen after preparation and serving, maintaining high ... Show evidence of negative TB skin test or the equivalent. * Available to work any shift required as ...

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Taste Test information

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$12

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$38

How much do taste test jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for taste test in Raleigh, NC is $24.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $27.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a taste tester?

A taste tester, also known as a food taster or sensory panelist, is a person who samples food and beverages to evaluate their flavor, texture, aroma, and overall quality. Taste testers are often employed by food manufacturers, restaurants, and research organizations to provide feedback that helps improve products before they reach consumers. Their evaluations contribute to product development, quality control, and ensuring that new items meet specific taste standards. This role may require a refined palate, attention to detail, and sometimes specialized training in sensory analysis.

What is the difference between Taste Test vs Food Critic?

AspectTaste TestFood Critic
Required CredentialsNone mandatory; sometimes culinary or sensory trainingJournalism or culinary background often preferred
Work EnvironmentFood labs, testing facilities, or eventsRestaurants, media outlets, or publications
Employer & IndustryFood companies, product development teamsMedia, newspapers, magazines, online platforms
Search & Comparison IntentEvaluating food products or recipesReviewing and critiquing food experiences

While both roles involve evaluating food, a Taste Test focuses on assessing food products for quality and flavor during development or testing phases. A Food Critic reviews and writes about dining experiences for media outlets. The key difference lies in their purpose: Taste Testers support product development, whereas Food Critics provide public reviews and opinions.

Can you get paid to taste test food?

Taste test jobs are paid positions where individuals evaluate food products for companies, often requiring sensory skills and attention to detail. Payment varies by company and task, and some roles may involve part-time or freelance work, sometimes with additional incentives or product samples.

Is a taste test a real job?

A taste test is a legitimate job where individuals evaluate food or beverage products for flavor, quality, and consistency. These roles often require sensory skills, attention to detail, and sometimes training or certification, and are common in food companies, testing labs, and market research settings.

How do I get a job as a taste tester?

To become a taste tester, you typically need a good palate, attention to detail, and sometimes a background in food science or related fields. Many companies hire taste testers for product development or quality control, and applying through food companies, testing agencies, or market research firms is common. Flexibility and the ability to follow specific instructions are important for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Taste Tester, you need an acute sense of taste and smell, attention to detail, and sometimes a background in food science or culinary arts. Familiarity with sensory evaluation techniques and tools, as well as food safety certifications, is often required. Strong communication, objectivity, and the ability to provide constructive feedback are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure accurate product assessment, consistent quality control, and valuable input for product development in the food industry.

What are some common challenges faced by taste testers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Taste testers often encounter challenges such as palate fatigue, maintaining objectivity, and adapting to a wide variety of flavors in a single session. To manage these, professionals take scheduled breaks, cleanse their palate between samples, and follow standardized tasting protocols. It's also important to document impressions promptly and collaborate closely with product development teams to provide clear, constructive feedback. Building experience and refining sensory skills over time helps testers become more consistent and resilient in their evaluations.
What job categories do people searching Taste Test jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Taste Test jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Taste Test jobs near you
Infographic showing various Taste Test job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,217 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Compliance Quality Assurance Technician

Carolina CoPacking

Henderson, NC

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Compliance & Quality Assurance Technician:

The Compliance & Quality Assurance Technician ensures that all food products are produced in accordance with company quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements. This role is both hands-on and analytical, responsible for tasting products, performing in-process quality checks, reviewing analytical data, and maintaining compliance documentation. The position also includes conducting audits, training production associates, and working closely with the Cook Room, Bottle Room, and Food Science teams to ensure food safety, quality, and consistency across all product lines.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Evaluation & Quality Testing:

  • Conduct sensory evaluations and taste tests on finished products to ensure flavor, texture, and appearance meet company standards.
  • Perform and document quality tests and checks throughout each production run—from raw materials through packaging and finished goods.
  • Verify that all in-process and finished product samples meet established specifications.
  • Identify, report, and assist in resolving any deviations or non-conformances in product quality.

Data Analysis & Documentation:

  • Prepare, review, and analyze all analytical and laboratory data related to production batches.
  • Maintain accurate and complete quality records, test results, and compliance paperwork.
  • Create and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality checklists, and audit documentation as required.
  • Support traceability efforts by ensuring all quality and compliance documentation is properly filed and retrievable.

Auditing & Compliance:

  • Conduct weekly internal audits to ensure compliance with company policies, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and food safety standards.
  • Participate in external audits and assist in preparing reports and corrective action plans.
  • Verify proper sanitation, allergen control, labeling, and lot traceability practices are consistently followed.

Production & Cross-Department Collaboration:

  • Work directly with Cook Room and Bottle Room associates to monitor and maintain quality during production.
  • Collaborate with the Food Science and Research & Development teams to evaluate new products and process improvements.
  • Provide on-the-floor support and oversight in production and GMP-controlled areas to ensure consistent adherence to quality standards.
  • Train and guide production associates in proper quality procedures, food safety, and documentation practices.

Qualifications:

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum 2–3 years of experience in Quality Assurance or Compliance within a food manufacturing environment.
  • Strong understanding of GMP, HACCP, and FDA food safety regulations. SQF certification a plus.
  • Hands-on experience with laboratory testing, data entry, and analytical review.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and quality management systems.

Core Competencies:

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail
  • Ability to train and mentor production personnel
  • Effective time management and prioritization skills
  • Commitment to food safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Work Environment:

  • Food manufacturing facility with on the production floor responsibilities
  • Regular exposure to temperature variations, food ingredients, and production equipment
  • Must follow all GMP, safety, and hygiene requirements at all times

BENEFITS:

  • Experience a diverse range of comprehensive benefits, including medical, vision, and dental coverage.
  • Take time away from work and recharge with generous paid time off and "dream" days off.

Participate in exciting company events that foster camaraderie and team sp

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