How Do You Become a Recipe Tester?
Denise Landis is the founder & CEO of The Cook's Cook.
Part of our Ultimate Guide to Recipe Testing. Click to see more answers to your questions.
To become a recipe tester you’ll need to decide if you can afford to begin as an unpaid intern, or are looking for paying work. Even if you are volunteering, you will need to have basic skills in cooking, writing, and editing.
- Approach food companies and the test kitchens at publications. These companies develop and refine recipes for various products or projects. They hire recipe testers and may have internship opportunities for beginners. Search online job boards and reach out to companies directly to inquire about open positions.
- Offer your services as a freelance recipe tester. Recipe testers are often hired by food bloggers and cookbook authors to help them test and fine-tune their recipes. This option is best if you have experience, solid skills, and can provide referrals to prospective clients.
- Create a food blog or social media presence. With excellent recipes, photography, and video reels you can build a following that might attract the attention of companies or individuals looking for recipe testers.
- Consider getting a culinary education. A culinary education can give you a competitive edge, and can be in a classroom, as an intern, or in a commercial kitchen. Read cookbooks, online publications, and books on food writing and recipe writing.
- Network with people in the food industry. Attend food events, join food-related groups or organizations, and make connections with people who work in the industry. These connections may lead to job opportunities as a recipe tester or other roles in the food industry.
