A Reader Writes: “How do i become a professional chocolate taster? i already do it on my own, but how can i connect with a company or become a freelance taster? any leads? THANK YOU. also, any chocolate schools or classes in NYC?” Well, if it were that simple, everyone would be doing it.

Honestly, I don’t know how to go get a job as a chocolate taster and I have never heard of a freelance taster. You mention that you are already doing it on your own—doing what?

I got my “job” through ten years of studying everything I could get my hands on regarding chocolate, tasting as much as I could, and talking to literally hundreds of people who were in the business and could help me learn what I should be tasting.

I have been thinking of forming classes in NYC on this subject, weekly or monthly at some convenient location. If this would be of interest to you, let me know. There are technique classes on chocolate at places like the Institute for Culinary Education and the French Culinary Institute. A quick search on Yahoo! or Google for “cooking school New York chocolate” may provide some leads, as will taking a look at http://www.cookingschools.com/ and http://cookforfun.shawguides.com.

Previous Questions and Answers:

1. Do you have any suggestions as to how one might go about finding an apprenticeship in a French chocolate shop?
   Posted by  on  07/21  at  11:17 PM
2. Jill: In France or here in the US? The only way that I know of to do it is to contact the company you are interested in working for and asking directly. Depending on who you're talking to, they're either going to want no experience at all or just enough experience so that you know your way around the kitchen. Your best bet would be to find a second-tier shop (first-tier are less likely, in my opinion to hire an unknown as an apprentice unless there's a personal/family connection or you happen to be extremely talented) in a company that does chocolate only, not pastry. If you're interested in France, try to locate a copy of the guide published by the Croquer du Chocolat that lists hundreds of the top French chocolatiers - including many smaller ones.
   Posted by  on  07/22  at  05:54 AM
3. I am a professional chocolate taster / sensory analyst at Blommer Chocolate company (wholesale - largest roaster of cocoa beans in North America) and find that most people in similar positions acquire them through experience. If you have any questions, I could answer further
   Posted by  on  10/21  at  09:51 AM
4. Well firstly i want to say hello there!!! and i want to become a chocolate taster so box it off pal cheers you are the man if you do sort it out and i promise if you do box it off i will give you some chocolates too cheers.. looking forward to becoming a chocolate taster.
   Posted by  on  02/07  at  06:34 AM
5. http://www.chocolatecritic.com/index.php/critic/comments/faq-taster/
   Posted by  on  11/13  at  12:21 AM
6. My daughter is using chocolate for a science fair experiment using price vs taste as her project. Any suggestions on different chocolates she should test from low to high in price? Also, anything we should do during or in between the tasting would help. Thank you. :: Tracy; I suggest that your daughter start out by visiting a local gourmet grocery store that sells a variety of chocolate bars. Being able to find things locally (easily) is the best bet. Whatever she can find will work. I would set up a "control" chocolate (Hershey's Milk or Special Dark) and compare all the other chocolates against the control chocolate as it is easier to compare two things than making an abstract judgment. Sparkling water (seltzer) can be used to clear the palate between tastes. :: Clay
   Posted by  on  01/19  at  08:41 AM
7. I am a Chinese college student.I am doing a investigation about chocolate tasters. I am chocolate fan and always amazed by people who choose chocolate taster as a career. I would like to ask some questions,hopefully,you can give answers in your conveniece.I do appreciate it.Thank you very much. 1.What makes you to become a chocolate taster? 2.How to be a successful chocolate taster? 3.What necessary training is needed? 4.What is the most important thing to be a chocolate taster? 5.Are there any advantages or disadvantages as a chocolate taster?What are they? 6.Do you like being a chocolate taster?Why or why not? Many thanks again!
   Posted by  on  03/27  at  10:07 PM