Ms Gaster is one of a number of so-called “sensory tasters”, employed by Mondelez International to test its chocolate, biscuits, chewing gum, confectionery and coffee. A veteran who has been in the job for 25 years, despite applying for the part-time position as a way to ease herself back into the workplace after having children. Her kids have grown up and flown the nest. She has stayed on at Mondelez, describing her colleagues as a “mini-family”. When visiting friends for tea, she has to stop herself from sniffing the biscuits, a professional habit.
The 65-year-old is in the role because she has a far higher sense of smell and taste than the general population. At a recent taste test for potential tasters, only four people out of 100 passed.
