Top 15 Food-Related Side Hustles to Start in 2024
Photo by Filip Sablatura on Unsplash
Hello Food Entrepreneurs!
If you love food as much as I do, I’m sure you’ve considered quitting your 9-5 and going all-in on your latest food related business idea.
While I’d never stop you from pursuing your career dreams, I’d advise you to consider starting your business as a side hustle alongside your day job.
This will allow you to test the waters a bit, get the business right (and profitable) before taking the plunge full-time.
Why Start a Food-Related Side Hustle?
There are many reasons why you may want to start a food-related business (other than your love for food).
Food-related side hustles are not only lucrative but also offer a creative and engaging way to earn extra income.
According to Statista, food delivery alone is expected to grow ~9.5% each year through 2029. This growth is a clear indicator of the increasing demand for convenient, quality food services.
Here are a few other reasons why I’d recommend starting a food-related side hustle this year:
High Demand: Food is a universal need, and there's always a market for innovative and quality offerings.
Flexibility: Many food businesses, such as food trucks or catering services, offer flexible hours that can fit around your busy schedule.
Creativity: These ventures allow you to express your creativity through unique recipes and presentations.
Community Engagement: Food businesses often become an integral part of the community, offering a chance to connect with others.
Keep in mind that anything worth doing will take some elbow grease. Take stock as to what attracts you to starting a side hustle.
Top 15 Food-Related Side Hustles
There are countless ways to make money based on food nowadays. From my research, here are my top ten based on your return on investment.
1. Food Truck
Who doesn’t love a good food truck? These mobile units are continuing to grow in popularity and are extremely flexible as you can switch locations daily.
Key Numbers:
Investment: $50,000 - $100,000
Annual Revenue: $250,000 - $500,000
Why It Works:
Food trucks offer the flexibility to move to high-traffic areas and events, maximizing exposure and sales. Unlike traditional restaurants, they come with lower startup costs and the freedom to experiment with diverse menus.
A Few Tips:
Licensing and Permits: Every locality has different rules and regulations for food trucks. Do your research and secure necessary permits.
Startup Costs: This is the highest initial investment you’ll find on the list. You’ll need a good amount of cash (or financing) up front to account for the truck, kitchen equipment, and initial stock.
Marketing: Customers will typically hear about food trucks from either word of mouth or social media. Tap into social by showcasing your menu, announcing where you’ll be each day, and featuring special events or menu items.
Real-World Inspiration:
There are tons of success stories online but I’d like to share about my favorite food truck, The Dumpling Lady.
Based in Charlotte, NC, this food truck started in 2016. I found out about it in 2017 and ended up eating here almost weekly. The Dumpling Lady became such a staple of the city that they closed their truck in 2023 and now have a brick and mortar location in the South End neighborhood.
Photo by Stephen Han on Unsplash
2. Ice Cream Cart
This is a great summer side hustle - with the heat brings customer demand for something cold and sweet.
Key Numbers:
Investment: $2,000 - $10,000
Annual Revenue: $30,000 - $60,000 (seasonal)
Why it Works:
If you can land a prime location such as a park, beach, or event space, you can bring in some serious cash. Offering unique flavors or catering to dietary preferences like vegan options can set you apart.
A Few Tips:
Find Prime Locations: Location is key. Check out the availability for outdoor activities including parks, beaches, and community events.
Unique Offerings: If you want to stand out, develop creative and unique flavors. Having options for specific dietary restrictions will attract customers as well (ex. dairy free, sugar free).
Marketing: Promote your cart online through social media and local community boards and newsletters.
3. Meal Kits
Meal kits cater to busy families who want to cook at home without the hassle of shopping and prepping.
Key Numbers:
Investment: $10,000 - $50,000
Annual Revenue: $100,000 - $300,000
Why It Works:
A lot of people are too busy to grocery shop and do the prep work, or they just don’t want to! Meal kits offer convenience and quality, with the potential for recurring revenue through subscriptions.
A Few Tips:
Identify Your Niche: There’s a lot of competition out there, so it’s best to pick a specialty and attract a specific type of customer. Ideas include vegetarian, gluten-free, or gourmet meals.
Supplier Relationships: You’ll need to get a good handle on the supply chain to maximize profitability. Establish reliable sources for fresh ingredients.
Marketing: As with all businesses, you’ll need to find ways to get your name out there. Consider local ads, social media, and influencer partnerships.
Real-World Example:
In 2011, HelloFresh started as a home business in Berlin and has since grown to an international brand. They grew their business by focusing on convenience and high-quality ingredients.
4. Cooking Classes
If you can cook and have some people skills, I'd consider conducting cooking classes.
Key Numbers:
Investment: $1,000-$5,000
Annual Revenue: $50,000 - $150,000
Why It Works:
They can be conducted online or in-person, making them highly scalable. They're surprisingly hard to find, especially in smaller areas, making this a great way to grow in an untapped market.
A Few Tips:
Choose Your Format: Depending on your preferences, you can conduct these classes online, in-person, or hybrid. I’d consider testing each and seeing which works best.
Create Engaging Content: Keep it simple for your students! Develop easy-to-follow recipes and engaging tutorials.
Marketing: Regardless of your format approach, I’d highly consider some paid social media advertising to get the word out. You can stop the scroll with some vibrant imagery and a great offer.
Real-World Example:
A really cool example of this business is Nonna Live. 84-year-old Nonna Nerina offers virtual pasta-making classes from Italy, attracting thousands of participants worldwide.
5. Personal Chef Services
Again, if you have some people skills on top of being able to cook extremely well, consider being a personal chef.
While you can turn this into a full-time gig, there are many part-time opportunities to make some extra cash.
Key Numbers:
Investment: $500 -$5,000
Annual Revenue: $30,000 - $100,000
Why It Works:
Personal chefs provide tailored culinary experiences for families and special events, catering to specific dietary needs and preferences. This personalized service can command premium pricing.
A Few Tips:
Build Your Brand: As a personal chef, the brand is you. Make sure to create a professional website showcasing your services. I’d also start generating some social media content to attract prospective clients.
Network: Sometimes, it’s all about who you know. If your social circle doesn’t really hire personal chefs (or know anyone who does), connect with local event planners and country clubs. You’ll need to go where your prospective customers are.
Marketing: When building out your website, use testimonials to showcase happy clients. This will help build trust and confidence with prospective customers.
Photo by Taylor Grote on Unsplash
6. Home-Based Bakery
Did you know that you can start a bakery from your own kitchen?
It’s actually pretty common, just make sure to look into the rules and regulations where you live.
Key Numbers:
Investment: $2,000 - $10,000
Annual Revenue: $20,000 - $60,000
Why It Works:
Starting a bakery from home allows you to capitalize on niche markets like gluten-free or vegan baked goods. Low overhead costs and the ability to sell at farmers' markets or online make this a profitable venture.
A Few Tips:
Develop Unique Recipes: Focus on niche markets or special dietary needs. While a niche market is smaller, they typically have more loyal customers, meaning repeat business.
Set Up an Online Presence: Use social media and e-commerce platforms. Pick your favorite social media platform to start with and build an audience. There are many e-commerce platforms, but two of the most popular include Squarespace and Shopify.
Market Locally: Nothing beats a local bakery. If you go this route, consider participating in farmers' markets and local events.
7. Specialty Coffee Shop
While you may think the coffee market is over-saturated with Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts, you’d be surprised how profitable a local coffee shop can be.
Key Numbers:
Investment: $10,000 - $50,000
Annual Revenue: $100,000 - $300,000
Why It Works:
A specialty coffee shop that offers unique blends and a cozy atmosphere can attract coffee enthusiasts. The shop can also sell cold brews and iced coffees, which are popular in the summer.
A Few Tips:
Find a Prime Location: Location is key! Look for high-traffic areas to attract new customers.
Create a Unique Menu: To really stand out, offer specialty drinks and snacks.
Build a Brand: Branding is key here. You want to be focus on creating a strong, recognizable brand.
8. Farmers’ Market Vendor
I love a good Farmers’ Market, and I know I’m not alone in the sentiment. It’s one of the best ways to support local farmers and vendors.
Key Numbers:
Investment: $1,000 - $5,000
Annual Revenue: $10,000 - $30,000 (part-time)
Why It Works: Selling homemade or homegrown products at local farmers' markets provides direct access to customers with minimal overhead costs. This can include items like jams, jellies, organic produce, and artisanal goods. I’ve even started seeing more prepared food being sold at farmers’ markets now - think food trucks and ice cream carts.
A Few Tips:
Create High-Quality Products: To really stand out (and charge a premium), focus on homemade or organic items.
Secure a Stall at Local Markets: Participate regularly to build a customer base.
Promote Your Products: Use local advertising and social media.
9. Catering Services
If you enjoy cooking at scale (and are good at it), consider setting up a catering business.
Key Numbers:
Investment: $5,000 - $20,000
Annual Revenue: $50,000 - $200,000
Why It Works:
Providing catering services for events, parties, and corporate functions can be highly lucrative. Exceptional service and delicious food will lead to repeat business and referrals.
A Few Tips:
Develop a Versatile Menu: You’ll need a diverse menu to cater to various tastes and dietary needs. Especially if you want to lock-in high-dollar events such as wedding and corporate events.
Network with Event Planners: Build relationships with local planners and venues.
Market Your Services: Use social media and word-of-mouth referrals.
10. Food Subscription Boxes
These boxes are so much fun! These boxes offer a unique and convenient way for customers to enjoy gourmet snacks, international foods, or specific diet plans delivered right to their doorsteps.
Key Numbers:
Investment: $5,000 - $20,000
Annual Revenue: $50,000 - $150,000
Why It Works:
Customers will pay for convenience and to try new and exotic things. This model not only ensures recurring revenue but also taps into the growing trend of subscription services, which have become increasingly popular.
A Few Tips:
Identify a Niche: Choose a specific theme for your boxes, such as healthy snacks, vegan foods, or international cuisine. This helps target a dedicated customer base.
Build Supplier Relationships: Source high-quality ingredients or products from reliable suppliers to ensure consistency and quality in every box.
Create a Subscription Model: Develop a pricing strategy that includes various subscription plans (monthly, quarterly, annually) to cater to different customer preferences.
Real-World Example:
Try the World offers curated boxes of gourmet foods from different countries, providing customers with a culinary journey around the world.
They started small and have grown significantly by focusing on high-quality, authentic products.
The Final 5 Side Hustles: Let’s Get A Bit More Obscure
Photo by Andrey Metelev on Unsplash
For the final 5 food-related side hustles, I did a deep dive and found a few obscure (but profitable) businesses to consider.
11. Edible Cookie Dough
Yes, dreams do come true. You can finally eat cookie dough without someone telling you they’ll make you sick.
Key Numbers:
Investment: $1,000 - $5,000
Annual Revenue: $20,000 - $50,000
Why It Works:
The edible cookie dough market has grown rapidly due to the increasing demand for nostalgic, safe-to-eat raw dough. It appeals to a wide audience and can be sold online, at local events, or through pop-up shops.
A Few Tips:
Develop Safe Recipes: This is important - don’t make your customers sick! Create egg-free and heat-treated flour recipes to ensure safety.
Packaging: Invest in appealing, safe packaging for both online and physical sales.
Marketing: Use social media platforms like Instagram to showcase your products. Collaborate with local events for pop-up sales.
Real-World Example:
I haven’t been here yet, but there’s a Cookie Dough Shop in NYC which operates similar to an ice cream shop. It’s known for its long lines so make sure to carve out enough time.
12. Candied Fruit
Candied fruit is gaining popularity as a trendy treat, especially when coated with nostalgic candies.
Key Numbers:
Investment: $500 - $2,000
Annual Revenue: $10,000 - $30,000 (seasonal)
Why It Works:
This product is perfect for fairs, farmers' markets, and online sales.
A Few Tips:
Experiment with Flavors: Use various fruits and coatings to create unique products.
Local Markets: Secure spots at farmers' markets and local events. It’s a great way to test out your product and talk with customers.
Online Presence: Create a website and use social media to promote your products.
13. Holiday Cookie Delivery
Who isn’t thinking about cookies during the holiday season? Plus, it’s cold outside, no one wants to venture out.
Key Numbers:
Investment: $500 - $3,000
Annual Revenue: $15,000 - $45,000 (seasonal)
Why It Works:
Capitalize on holiday cookie demand by delivering fresh cookies around town. This business can cater to busy individuals looking for convenient, delicious gift options.
A Few Tips:
Seasonal Marketing: Create holiday-themed promotions and packages.
Efficient Delivery: If you can’t deliver everything yourself, partner with local delivery services for timely distribution.
Online Sales: Set up an e-commerce site for easy ordering and customization.
14. gourmet Pet Treats
The pet industry is booming, with pet owners willing to spend on high-quality, gourmet treats for their furry friends.
Key Numbers:
Investment: $1,000 - $5,000
Annual Revenue: $20,000 - $50,000
Why It Works:
This niche market can be highly profitable with the right marketing and product quality.
A Few Tips:
Develop Recipes: Create healthy, gourmet treats using quality ingredients. Especially true if you want to charge a premium.
Packaging: Invest in attractive and functional packaging.
Marketing: Use social media and pet influencers to reach a wider audience.
Real-World Example:
Three Dog Bakery started baking small batches in 1989 and has since grown to numerous locations and a robust online business.
15. Fake Wishbones
Thanksgiving anyone? Fake wishbones cater to vegans, vegetarians, and families looking to keep up the post-meal tradition.
Key Numbers:
Investment: $500 - $2,000
Annual Revenue: $10,000 - $25,000
Why It Works:
This unique product has low competition and can be marketed as a fun holiday item.
A Few Tips:
Product Development: Create durable and safe fake wishbones.
Holiday Marketing: Focus on Thanksgiving and holiday promotions.
Sales Channels: Use online platforms and holiday markets for sales.
Happy Hustling!
I hope the above food-related businesses inspire you to start a new side hustle this year.
With some initial investment and strategic planning, you can turn these ideas into profitable ventures.
Each offer an excellent opportunity to earn some extra income while still crushing it at your 9-5.
Plus, you’ll hopefully have more fun as it’s food-related.
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