Identifying Your Food Product
What food can I sell to make money? You can make money selling any food, but it’s best to validate your product idea before you open a business. The majority of states have established laws known as "cottage food" laws, which make it possible for cooks to sell food from their homes under certain parameters. These criteria include restrictions on the kind of food you are allowed to sell and earnings caps on how much money you can make. Your passion for your own food business fuels its growth.
Examples of Foods That Sell Well
- Candy and packaged snacks that you simply buy in bulk and resell
- Chili or baked beans
- Large scale and/or high risk food activities conducted from a commercial kitchen
Selling Food Online
How can I sell food online? You need certain types of licensing, packaging, and logistics in place to get things running. Anyone selling food online needs to acquire an eCommerce business license. Both selling pre-made food products and making your own edibles have their pros and cons. Selling pre-made food products requires less planning and creating, while making your own usually provides greater profit and flexibility.
Where to Sell Homemade Food Online
Whether you’re tech-savvy and want to create your own website or prefer using online platforms, multiple options are available to you.
Top Choices and Considerations
- Hot dogs, pizza slices, soft pretzels, quesadillas, nachos, fried chicken, sushi rolls, muffins, and fruit skewers
- Toasts, grilled cheese, BBQ, french fries, fried onion rings, fried chicken wings and strips, coffee, soda, and popcorn
Simple Food Examples
Doughnuts and smoothies are examples of easy food to make that sell well in certain locations like cafes, markets, and health food stores.
Selling at Physical Locations
Flea market booths and food trucks are options for selling food physically, allowing for unique recipes and experiences.
What You Can Sell
What kind of food I can sell from home?
- Coffee and tea blends
- Dry foods such as granola, chips, and popcorn
- Baked goods like breads, cookies, and some cakes
- Jams and preserves
Regulations and Business Models
Cottage rules dictate which foods can be sold from home, and compliance with local health department regulations is crucial. Business models include online marketplaces, own ecommerce website, or selling curated products through a supplier.
Summary and Business Tips
Capitalizing on your passion for food and the convenience of running a home-based food business can lead to success. Registration under the Food Act is necessary for anyone wanting to sell food from home.