Get paid to eat
From testing recipes to rating restaurants, these women have figured out how to rack up serious cash and score free food to boot!—
“I earn $75 an hour as a taste tester!”
“I like to try new foods and I spend a lot of time experimenting in my kitchen. Although I work full-time, a friend of mine who had done some focus groups with FocusGroupsOfCleveland.com suggested that I sign up too. When I found out they had a lot of interesting studies that they needed taste testers for, I knew it would be right up my alley.
“Completing the studies couldn’t be easier. Once I submit information about my age, my income, the stores I shop at and the types of foods I like to eat, a recruiter calls me and asks me a few questions like, ‘Do you eat pizza?’ and ‘Do you purchase frozen prepared pizza?’ to make sure I qualify. If I fit the profile for the type of consumer they’re looking for, I attend the focus group along with a group of other participants.
“I’ve taste-tested tons of different foods like snack bars, beverages and chocolate. One study was for a prepared microwavable single-serve pasta meal. I got to try the different varieties and offer feedback about things like the intensity of the flavor, the cooking time and the preparation.
“I do a study about every six months and I make between $50 and $150 for one to two hours of work. I love that I get to taste so many different foods and I get a sneak preview before they hit shelves. The money is great too—cash that I’ve put toward renovating my bathroom and taking yoga classes!”
Note: To find focus groups in your area, Google “focus groups” or “market research” and your city and state.