In today’s world, many people are looking for ways to make extra income, and what better way to do that than by monetizing something we already enjoy doing – eating!
That’s right, you can get paid to eat. If this sounds too good to be true, well, just know that that if you enjoy eating, have a passion for food or perhaps developed an exquisite palette, the global food industry is expected to reach a value of $12,24 trillion by 2025. With all that potential just waiting to be tapped, why not be the one to seize the opportunity?
Whether it’s through blogging, reviewing, or just posting photos on social media, there are so many opportunities out there for food lovers like us to turn our passion into a profitable side hustle. And with the rise of foodie culture and social media, now is the perfect time to start exploring these options!
Food has always been a passion of mine. I grew up in a household where meals were not only a time to eat but also a time to connect with family and friends. From the street vendors selling steamed buns in the morning to the late-night noodle shops, food was everywhere. I remember watching my grandmother expertly fold dumplings and my mother meticulously preparing a feast for Chinese New Year. These memories and experiences have stayed with me, even as I moved to Japan, then the U.S. and discovered new culinary delights.
As a storyteller at heart, I realized that food was a form of storytelling – it could connect me to my past and my heritage. I started experimenting in the kitchen, trying to recreate the flavors and dishes that I fell in love with. This led me to start a food blog and eventually a food show, where I could share my love for comfort foods all over the world with a wider audience. Through my recipes and videos, I hope to not only showcase the diversity and richness of comfort food but also tell the stories behind each dish.
As someone who is actually going through the journey of turning their passion for food into a brand, I can attest to the fact that it’s not only possible, but also incredibly fulfilling. Throughout the past few months, I’ve done a deep dive of all the ways to turn your hobby of eating into a profitable side hustle… and I’m truly surprised by everything I’ve learned!
It’s important to note that you don’t have to be a chef, a content creator, a writer, or even know how to cook to make money from eating. Making money from eating is not only limited to extroverted and confident personalities. This is something that anyone can do, regardless of their personality type. Whether you’re an introvert who prefers to write blog posts or a foodie who loves to snap photos of your meals, there are opportunities out there for everyone to earn money by sharing their love of food. The key is to find the approach that works best for you and your unique set of skills and interests.
So if you’re ready to turn your love of food into a paycheck, read on for some tips and tricks on how to get started!
5 Ways to Make Money from Eating
Become a Restaurant Mystery Shopper
Many establishments in the food industry hire mystery shopping agencies to evaluate the performance of their employees and ensure they are following company standards. As a mystery shopper, you will be tasked with visiting a restaurant, ordering food for dine-in or takeout, and performing other tasks outlined in your assignment, such as asking specific questions about the menu or service.
During your visit, you will need to take photos and videos, collect receipts, and fill out a report form or survey about your experience. You will then send this information to the agency, which will pass it along to the restaurant owner. It’s important to note that you will be paid by the agency directly, not by the restaurant owner.
The best part about being a mystery shopper is that you get to eat out for free. Some assignments may even include complimentary drinks or a free hotel stay if you are visiting a restaurant within a hotel. Additionally, some mystery shopping agencies may offer extra cash on top of your free food and accommodations.
The amount you can earn as a mystery shopper can vary depending on the agency and the assignment. Some agencies may pay a flat rate for each assignment, while others may offer additional compensation for completing certain tasks or providing detailed feedback. On average, mystery shoppers can earn between $10 to $25 per hour, with some earning up to $50 per hour for more complex assignments.
To become a mystery shopper, you can start by researching and applying to reputable agencies in your area. Some well-known agencies include:
- Mystery Dining by HGEM
- Coyle Hospitality Group – Earn $20-$40 per task
- MarketForce – Pays $15 to $35 via check or direct deposit
- The Source – Available in the UK, Canada, and the US. Pays mystery shoppers up to $40 per assignment
- Satisfaction Services Inc.
- Mystery Shoppers America
- A Closer Look
- Reality Based Group
- BestMark
- Second to None
Keep in mind that while there are many mystery shopping websites that offer assignments across various industries, including retail stores and groceries, you may also come across opportunities specifically tailored to restaurants and the food industry. You may need to pass a screening process or complete a training program before being assigned your first mystery shopping job. Overall, being a restaurant mystery shopper is a fun and unique way to earn money while enjoying delicious meals.
Become a Food Tester
Becoming a food tester is a more technical way of earning money through food. Unlike restaurant mystery shopping, food testers need to possess a specific set of skills, such as taste and odor recognition, and have no food allergies. They must also be able to describe food accurately and live near the testing location. Moreover, food testers must be of legal age to participate. While part-time food tasting gigs are rare and usually offer rewards in exchange for gift cards, full-time jobs are more readily available and listed under various titles such as “sensory panelist,” “food taster,” and “food scientist” on job boards like Indeed.com. The average hourly wage for full-time food testers is reportedly around $16 to $20, and the job comes with interesting assignments such as trying out frozen food throughout the day.
Companies that offer food testing jobs include:
- Contract Testing Inc. – Pay varies depending on the length of testing
- MMR – New York-based and requires experienced sensory testers.
- Focus & Testing
- Sensory Service Center | NC State University
- L & E Research
Become a Restaurant Reviewer
If you have a passion for both writing and trying new foods, becoming a restaurant reviewer can be a great way to earn money while enjoying a delicious meal. As a food critic, you’ll visit various restaurants, try their specialties, and evaluate the food quality, atmosphere, and service. Keep in mind that your reviews can have a significant impact on a restaurant’s success, so it’s important to be fair, detailed, and informative. You can start as a freelancer and use your own blog to publish your reviews and earn money. As you build your reputation, you may even get noticed by larger publishers and have your work featured in curated blogs, newspapers, magazines, travel guides, and other media.
Get Money Back From Eating Out
There are a variety of ways to receive cashback, ranging from grocery shopping online and submitting your receipts to using cashback cards when dining out to receive 1% of your total bill. You may be surprised by the amount of money you can earn or save.
If you’re new to the world of cashbacks, the numerous food-related rebates available may be overwhelming. To streamline the process, consider downloading a cashback app like Ibotta and browsing available deals before selecting a restaurant.
In addition to Ibotta, there are several other apps you can download to earn cashback when dining out at restaurants:
Become a Food Content Creator
If you love to eat and don’t mind sharing your experience with others, the most rewarding long-play and possibly the most lucrative is to create your brand as a food content creator. If you’re interested in being a food creator, here are five methods to consider to get you started:
Start a YouTube Channel – Creating a YouTube channel is a great way to share your love of food with a larger audience. By live streaming your meals and engaging with your viewers, you can build a following and potentially earn ad revenue. You can also incorporate sponsored content and affiliate ads into your videos to boost your income.
Stream on Twitch – Similar to YouTube, Twitch offers a platform for live streaming and engaging with viewers. By streaming your meals on the “Just Chatting” channel, you can monetize your content through affiliate and partner contracts. You can also earn money through donations, Patreon, and affiliate links.
Create Other Food-Related Content – While eating on camera may be your main focus, there are other types of food-related content you can produce. Consider creating video segments, food reviews, and recipe videos to expand your content and attract a wider audience.
Sell Merchandise – As your fanbase grows, you can offer branded merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, stickers, pins, and patches. This not only generates income, but also provides free advertising for your brand. When people wear your merch, they become walking billboards for your channel, which can help attract new viewers.
Paid Sponsorships – Sponsors are a vital part of the influencer journey! First, you’ll engage in trade-for-product brand deals. Then, you’ll be able to do paid sponsorship posts across your social media following. The more your audience grows, the more you’ll be able to gain long-term sponsorships on a much more consistent basis.
There are many strategies you can use to make money from eating. I hope these tips get you thinking about how to turn your passion for food into a side hustle!
Hungry for more brain food? Read this:
How to Save Money on Food Without Sacrificing Flavor
