Food Taster

MissionHires is seeking a meticulous and adventurous Food Taster to evaluate taste, aroma, texture, and overall sensory quality for a range of consumer food products. You will perform structured sensory tests, provide clear and actionable feedback, and help our clients refine products that delight customers while aligning with their brand and mission.

• Conduct blind and branded sensory evaluations (taste, aroma, appearance, texture, aftertaste) using standardized protocols
• Document detailed, objective tasting notes and scorecards with consistent sensory vocabulary
• Participate in difference, preference, and triangle tests to assess product iterations and quality
• Calibrate palate through regular training and panel alignment sessions
• Identify off-notes, defects, and inconsistencies; flag potential quality or safety concerns
• Collaborate with product, R&D, and QA teams to translate sensory findings into clear recommendations
• Maintain strict hygiene, sample handling, and cross-contamination controls
• Follow scheduling and pacing guidelines to avoid palate fatigue; cleanse palate appropriately
• Adhere to allergen, dietary, and safety protocols; report any adverse reactions promptly
• Contribute to continuous improvement of sensory procedures and data capture

• 1-3 years of experience in sensory evaluation, food tasting panels, culinary arts, or food QA/QC (professional or academic)
• Proven sensory acuity and ability to accurately describe flavors, aromas, and textures using standardized terminology
• Familiarity with sensory methods (hedonic scales, triangle/difference tests, descriptive analysis) and basic statistics for panel data
• Strong written communication skills for clear, unbiased tasting notes and reports
• Ability to follow strict protocols, maintain confidentiality, and avoid conflicts of interest
• No current taste or smell impairments; non-smoker or ability to abstain before sessions; comfort tasting a variety of foods
• Ability to manage palate fatigue and maintain consistency across multiple sessions
• Basic food safety and hygiene knowledge; willingness to complete food handler training if needed
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, iterative environment with multiple client products
• Preferred: certifications or coursework in sensory science, culinary, food science, or related field; experience with allergen-safe practices

MissionHires is a recruiting platform that helps startups, companies, and non-profits hire passionate talent aligned with their mission and values.

To bridge the gap between companies and passionate talent.