A great place to make a little extra money a few times per year, for tasting food samples. I have been paid as much as $70 for visiting. A recent policy change, however, has made all the taste testing go a bit sour. To save themselves a sizeable amount of money they have changed their payment method from check to an e-gift card. So far, so good. Now, assuming I would like the actual cash, like I used to be able to exchange their checks for, I now have to pay 3%. Alternatively, if I want the full value I have to exchange it for a gift card. So, no, I do not want to commit to buying $45 worth of Starbucks coffee. I just converted the $45 I got for a recent test to cash, via an ACH transfer to my checking account. They dinged me $1.35 to be paid the $45 they agreed to pay me for my services, so instead, I get $43.65. Let's recap. They asked me to come on down a taste their samples, and I agreed to, for $45. They no longer have to print checks. They no longer have to handle the accounting. They no longer have to pay anyone to handle the checks and hand them out. They no longer have to reconcile the checking account used to pay out to the participants. They no longer have to pay the bank to service the account. They save all that money and at the same time they require the participants to pay 3% to get paid in something other than a gift card. Where I come from they call that double-dipping. Go back to paying by check, or cash, like you used to before you even paid by check. Not a fan of your current setup. This 3% haircut is BS. Yet another hand in my pocket. read more

My daughter and I recently went to test out a food product. What a fun way to earn a little extra spending money while having a say about our purchasing preferences. We were at the location on Constitution Drive, and they do a great job of making signs to point everyone in the right direction. It's foolproof. Thank You so much from the lady who is perpetually lost. read more

Tasteocracy - Laboratory Testing Near Me - Livermore, California

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As a long time food tester at Tasteocracy (formally the National Food Lab), I've found that this has been a fun way to earn some money on the side. The process is pretty quick and easy to do for all ages. What's nice about this program is that you get to sample and critique food and products before they come out! It's one of the best tester programs around the Bay that's legit. YAY: ‣ Location is easy to find off of 580 freeway ‣ Pleasant staff members to check you in ‣ Multiple opportunities to qualify for a test ‣ Children and their parents may qualify for tests ‣ Ample parking available onsite ‣ Sample & critique food and products ‣ Various referral offers - Refer family or friends and receive an entry into their monthly money raffles (as of 7/15/2020) NAY: ‣ No longer receive cash payout; it's a check ‣ You may not always qualify for all tests as they're based on certain criteria that companies are targeting ‣ Members may only be able to test every 60 days or 6 tests a year according to their FAQs ‣ Tasteocracy may be closing its doors in the fall so sign up soon :( read more

Tasteocracy - Waiting to check in for a food testing in the car! - Laboratory Testing Near Me - Livermore, California

I have been to Tasteocracy quite a few times. There are many times after filling out the questionnaire that I get a "you did not qualify" or if I do qualify, I will get a message indicating "the session is full" after it tells me I qualified for a test. Therefore, it does get frustrating periodically. If you qualify for a test, normally you are not eligible to do another survey to qualify for a potential test for another ~3 months. It does take time. Still, stay diligent and do honest reviews. I am very detailed and descriptive so I like to think this helps me a bit if that is how they even have you on the list to do another survey to see if you qualify to do a test. Like I said, it is a long process; but, I enjoy it very much. Due to my work and volunteer schedule, I don't even do the pre-qual if the test is during my unavailable hours. Another important note is that they have relocated. I am not sure why it does not have the new address, etc; but, it's literally down the street so it isn't difficult to find. read more

Tasteocracy - Laboratory Testing Near Me - Livermore, California

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I have been here long enough to have their name change about 3x. Office is clean, staff is good and always have a smile on their faces. I have attended a couple of taste test where you bring in your child. My child thought it was great to taste something and give your opinion on it. That's just what it is. You receive samples on a specific item and give your opinion. Of course, you'd have to qualify for each taste test that is offered. Plenty of parking as well. read more

Tasteocracy - Laboratory Testing Near Me - Livermore, California

Went this morning to participate in a survey. It was easy to find the building itself but I was a bit confused as to where to go as I was super early. I looked on Yelp and saw others had checked in previously and posted pics of signs. I figured I must be parked at the wrong location so I drove around the building, as I was pulling up to the right spot I noticed two ladies putting signs out pointing to where the testing facility was located. I parked and walked in. I was greeted by really friendly employees, filled out some paperwork and sent to another room to wait for all the others to arrive. Once everyone arrived we were sent to a room with computers. I was a bit confused with that as well. I didn't realize they were each assigned until I plunked down and realized the computer wasn't on. Haha I inquired about where I was to go and was sent the correct terminal. Each computer is on a small desk with partitions between each tester. The instructors walked us through each step of the survey, its relatively easy if you have half a brain. I had never done anything like this before. I found it to be quite fun. After we completed surveys we were given a check and sent on our Merry way. Not bad for a few hours of my time. I live in the bay area but wouldn't mind driving to do more surveys. Now that I know how to get here and what is expected. It's very interesting. It would be interesting to see what other products they test. read more

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What's not to love? Taste food, get paid. It's as simple as that! I got paid $25 cash for taste testing Triscuit-type wheat crackers and vanilla ice cream. In and out of the facility within 35 minutes. I work just down the street about a mile away, so this is super convenient. The proctor/servers were very friendly. I also like the fact that they provide you with little water bottles and saltine crackers to dilute the tastes in your mouth prior to the next sample. There is ample parking and a very clear sign to indicate where taste testers should enter the building. I'll be back! read more

I've been participating in the NFL for years with my wife and son. I've done everything from pasta to deodorant. Used to love getting that little envelope with cash at the end of each test. Then about a year or so ago they changed to a gift card system. That sucked eggs. The GC was constantly declined at establishments and when you called the help line, funds were deducted for the "technical help". I stopped participating at that point. I couldn't even give the GC's away. My kids couldn't even use them. I decided to give them another try. Surprisedly enough, I received a personal check at the end of the test. Yay,I hope that's the end of the gift cards! Welcome back NFL! read more

Wow, great way to get your opinions heard! I was referred to register by a coworker. Online registration was easy. You take a bunch of surveys and they will contact you if you qualify for any tastings. I was in and out in under an hour and tried 5 different products. Can't wait to qualify for the next one! read more

Tasteocracy - Front of the building. - Laboratory Testing Near Me - Livermore, California

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Being a taste tester for the National Food Lab and being a devoted Yelper for me go hand in hand - taste, explore and share your opinion! I was charmed as soon as I heard the idea - offer this immaculate and welcoming facility in Livermore (one of I believe 3 locations nationwide) around 45 minutes of your time, sample some tasty eats, share your thoughts, and walk out the door with cold hard cash in your hand knowing you helped shape the flavors that will grace tables across the country. Pretty damn cool if you ask me! I've visited the National Food Lab 3 times now, and though they have contacted me by phone for testing, I generally qualify for their tests online. So far I've sampled yogurt, popcorn and teriyaki sauce, and have received $25 - $30 for nibbling and sharing my thoughts. It's an interesting experience, especially if you've ever watched the TV cooking challenge shows where competitors have to try to guess the flavors blind - having no context for the food you're trying heightens the experience and really gives your palate a workout. For example, when I sampled the popcorn, the differences between my four samples were SO miniscule I almost wondered if they were playing a trick on us! But nope, exercise your taste buds to pick up those subtle nuances of sweet and salty, reflect on the aftertaste, and decide which flavor suits you best. There are several different types of tests - most last 45 minutes but some last for multiple days, sometimes children are invited in with their parents to be the testers too. The larger the time commitment, the higher the cash payment will be. You'll be asked in the survey about any food allergies or intolerances too, so vegetarians/vegans and folks looking to avoid certain ingredients will have plenty of opportunity to make sure the test they're qualifying for is appropriate for them. Be honest, and you'll have a great experience! Highly recommended if you want to try something new, if you love to share your opinions, and of course if you love food! Do your part to help out, and get rewarded for it - win/win! read more

Such a pleasant place to visit. I have been here several times for some food tasting tests, and I have always really enjoyed my experience. The place is always immaculately clean, and the girls that work here are just the most absolute down to earth, sweet hearts. My first study was for $50.00, and this one was for $60.00. It's always fun giving our advise on food study's and being able to conversate with the rest of the group. And its of course even more of a pleasure to actually be paid for it : ) Can't wait tell the next tasting I hopefully qualify for! read more

My family signed up to do testing here years ago and they still call us. We've been called to try various food items and household cleaning supplies. All you need to do is call and sign up, they take care of the rest. I think you can register online as well. Just be sure to answer the questions for their surveys correctly when they do phone you, or they won't take you to do a test. The best part is they pay you for your time. I've made anywhere from $20 to $60 depending on what they wanted me to test. The tests normally only take about a half hour. They're desperately seeking new testers between the ages of 18-35, so if you are willing to sign up, go for it. All you need to do is answer a few short questions regarding different food or household items and you're in. read more

Love food? Like trying out new things? Love giving your opinion? And get paid for it?? The NFL is the perfect place! It's located across the street from Cornerstone/Costco. Plenty of parking, A/C and friendly staff. Sign-up on their website to be in their database. Once in a while based on general information you have entered they occassionally send out and online survery for pre-qualifications. If you qualify they give you a long list of dates and times for when its convenient for you to come in and to a group taste test. Most take 30-40 mintues and pay between $20 to the highest I have seen $70 - always in cash. I like to food testing. Those are fun! But they also do plenty of other household items as well. I have told everyone who lives in the area that I know to sign-up. It's fun, super easy and if you can spare about 30 min then why not?! read more

Until my session today, I thought that participating in the studies that this office offers was invite only. Their website offers you the chance to join their email club, where they randomly select participants for future studies that involve trying out new food products. But they do survey invites on craigslist as well. Clean facility, helpful staff, conveniently close to 580. Assuming you qualify, a cool way to make a few extra bucks. read more

Finally qualified for my first taste test! I first found out about The National Food Lab from my mom who has done a few tastings here before. Getting paid for tasting food?! Sold! Today's taste test was for crackers and vanilla ice cream. Awesome, and I got paid $25 for coming in tasting and answering a few questions and I was out of there in 35-40 min! The staff is super friendly, the building and entrance is easy to find (right across the street from the Costco) and there is plenty of parking. I'll definitely be back for another taste test! read more

Oh I was so nervous like It was like the first day of soccer tryouts. Do I have what it takes to be a taste tester?? Yes! Anyone can (if you don't have food allergies) because they make the process so easy. From directions to the facility to directions given throughout the taste test. There were supposed to be 17 people in my group but at 1pm only 11 were there and the test started right at 1. I really appreciated that because they didn't waste any time. It was a completely painless experience and I am looking forward to my next call from the NFL (hee hee). Oh and did I mention I got paaaaaaid! read more

Tasteocracy - Laboratory Testing Near Me - Livermore, California

Honestly I have nothing to compare this to. I have been maybe 6 times over the years and my kids at least once. We've never had a bad experience. They are timely and professional. The systems work and you get paid in cash or cash card. It's totally worth signing up for! read more

I work down the street from The NFL and i love when they call me... I get so excited at the prospect of trying something "new" and getting paid CASH on the spot for it. So far the two times I've gone, I've only tried cereal...which is FIIIINE by me, i heart cereal :) read more

Gotta love tasting food and getting paid for it. Sure, not everything is always tasty, but I could also be more selective in what I choose to go in for. And, the rumors aren't true...you will not start glowing after eating their laboratory creations. I have some friends who've been tasters since they were in Dublin. I just started within the last couple of years, and I still get a little excited when I get a call from them to qualify me for a tasting. read more

I've been doing taste tests with them for several years now - since before they moved to Livermore from Dublin. I love the staff here. Everyone is always so incredibly friendly! And whenever they call, they are conscientious about not taking up too much of your time. How can you go wrong by giving up 25-40 min of your time to try new food products and get paid for them? I enjoy it. They always ask you a series of questions over the phone to see if you qualify. They sometimes have longer focused groups (for which you have to qualify for as well) and those sometimes pay more. The one time they did a Saturday 3 hr group and offered $75, I got lost since I was trying to find the new location. So I didn't make it and had to stay a poor college kid for the day. They are always looking for new taste testers, so check them out! read more

Tasteocracy are scammers sent me a protein cereal in the mail i ate that nasty cereal for 3 days and never got compensated for it . Said in the Swagbucks portal it would take 6 to 8 weeks for compensation . I finished that online questionaire over 3 months ago now both swagbucks and tasteocracy are both deflecting . read more

Been a tester for years, even back in the day when it was in Dublin, CA. Thought they were gone, then a friend told me they are back! Happy for them and the new location. Excited, this time my son was able to participate, he was nervous, then got grumpy when we got there. But then afterwards he told me it was a great experience. I had no problems, before with the debit card payment, though I have heard others have. This one was back to checks again! I just keep trying to keep up with all their website changes. I know they are just trying to improve, but goodness! Still a very pleasurable experience and one I was happen to share now with my child. that he might be able to be that deciding factor of something coming out to market or not. Kinda cool if you ask me. Happy to refer some friends now too. Keep it up NFL! Thanks for the adventure and new experiences. read more

I always do the prescreening for taste test and always get the message that i dont qualify. so i had a buddy of mine sign up we both answered the questions exactly the same on the same survery.. but i put i was asian and that he was caucasian. SHOCKER his was approved for a taste test and mine didnt meet requirements. read more

I am giving this a low rating because of the new way they pay you!! No longer are you given cash at the end of your "tasting", but a VISA Gift Card. This was troublesome to activate and did not even have the full amount I was told the participation paid. They need to go back to paying you in CASH !!!!!! read more

Cathey Ross... Two Thumbs Up! Thank you for being so helpful! Great over the phone customer service is RARE these days and Cathey reminded me it's still alive here in Livermore. Fast and to the point, she assessed the situation at hand. read more

Taste testing food and getting paid for it. What's not to love? I'm a new taster for them and have been to their facility 2-3 times now. Set up a bit differently from other facilities I've been to. Friendly staff and not too far from 580. Plenty of parking. read more

I have been doing taste tests for a couple of years now. I love getting paid to taste food and give my opinion. This time I got paid to apply and take tests for a job on the panel. NFL has a Facebook page to find out more! read more

I have been a taste tester for many years. In the past we were always paid in cash. Now we are getting "prepaid" credit/debit cards. This is not acceptable. I tried to use the card and the system kept denying my card. When I tried to call the customer service on the back of the card, I was left on hold for over a half an hour. When I checked on my balance, thinking that maybe there was no money on the card, I found out that today there were two IVR Self Service Fees deducted from my card leaving me without the full balance of $30 on my card. What is going on? I am not happy with this situation and would like some help solving this for future taste testing cards. read more

i wish i could give six stars but five is max cause these folks are pro's at what they do and keep a great smile and personality. thank you ladies for useing me for your surveys. read more

I have attended two food tastings. They are usually very informative and nice. I was willing to participate a third time. They called me two weeks ago to participate tomorrow. I live in tracy it is about a 30min drive, so i look forward to money incentive. They did not mention it. I figured i will call later to ask. I called today at 12pm. The lady who answered said tomorrow is a 20min test. I told her no its 40min i remembered them telling me. She argued with me and says no its 20min. I asked her to please check if there are multiple tests. She has me hold. Comes back and says so are u talking about the previous week? I said,'what does that mean please rephrase that, idk what you are asking because i mentioned the test is tomorrow.' She repeated are you talking about the test from last week? I said no! The test is tomorrow! She goes so the 21st? Im like yes! I dont understand why she was acting this way and her tone was condescending. She was not nice bad phone manners! My english is perfect and i am a college graduate she was addressing me as if i am an idiot who is beneath her. She finally checks the test time and i was right! It was a 40min test. She didnt apologize for being wrong or for arguing with me. I asked her if there was a cash incentive. She says $25. (Considering i have to commute earlier that day for 2 hrs and considering her attitude i was not going to drive from tracy to help them for a test thats 40 minutes long for $25. It just covers my gas.) i said thats all? She said thats what we usually pay testers. I said idk because last few times i have been a tester i have been paid more. She repeated herself, yes we usually pay testers $25. She was rude and did not know how to talk to me nicely. I was not mean to her and my tone was pleasant, yet she continued with her condescending tone. I told her that its not enough for me it bearly would cover my gas, so i will have to cancel. Funny how her tone changed and was much nicer at that point. I think its because she decided to erase me off the list so i will not be called again for future tests. I did not ask her to do that, but my gut feeling says she did it right after she asked for my number. It is sad how one bad apple can cause such a bad review for a place i have been to twice and had a pleasant experience. Please give your phone people proper trainning. I was in no way being difficult with her. She needs better customer service skills. read more

Place is waste of time they dont want honest evaluations of products just for testers to answer in the lab best interest.