Are You a Student? Here are 5 Food-Related Side Hustles to Help You Make Extra Cash

You have a lot of free time as a student, and what better way to use it than to start your own business?

Food is something that people always want, and need, so the food industry has flourished and will continue to flourish. No matter how many food-related business enter the market, there is always room for more. And, with the internet, there are countless resources for understanding how to gain investments, manage finances, and manage resources for your venture.

Here are some ideas for putting together a delicious business that will earn you a little extra cash so you can prioritize your studies without going into debt.

1. Offer Cooking Classes

Cooking isn’t for everyone, so if you know a thing or two about it, consider passing on that knowledge to other people. Depending on your preferences, cooking sessions can be held online or in a rented location. You can also pre-record your classes and let students watch at their convenience. You can teach one-on-one, in a group, or in a formal classroom setting. The possibilities are endless when it comes to what can be taught. You can teach anything from fundamental knife skills to more intricate culinary techniques.

Teaching cake decorating skills is another area where culinary classes can be useful. You can buy cakes from bakeries and decorate them with your students. Alternatively, if you already have a baking business, you can benefit from starting this decorating business.

2. Sell Baked Goods Online

Bakery shops have been around for a long time and are one of the oldest types of businesses. Baked products have always been popular with regular customers, who enjoy them for breakfast as well as a staple for all occasions throughout the year. There are many different types of baked goods, which means there is a big market for you to tap into based on your experience. You can sell cookies, pastries, and cakes. But, you should research your market carefully.

Many communities are oversaturated with home-based baking businesses, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic encouraged many families to pick up baking as a way to pass the time. Consider launching a business focused on less common food types, such as gluten-free or vegan baked goods. These unique selling points, which could also include distinct flavors or ingredients, nutritious options, or incorporating goodwill campaigns, will encourage more regular clientele.

Once you begin regularly baking, consider creating a website or social media presence to easily sell baked products online. Remember to include your phone number, address, a brief bio, and testimonials, which you will gather over time. Because the food industry relies on word of mouth, ensure that your consumers are satisfied so that they will return with more requests, or leave positive reviews on your website and/or social media platforms.

Selling baked goods online is also a low-cost business, making it a great option for students.

3. Become a Personal Chef

Being a personal chef can be lucrative, especially if you are employed by a celebrity or someone who is health conscious and willing to pay more money.

One of the disadvantages of becoming a personal chef is that you must be an expert in your area to be recruited and that your working hours are largely determined by the preferences of your clients.

4. Sell Jam and Jelly

Jams and jellies are a sweet delicacy that can be purchased at the grocery store—or, better yet, from homemade cooks. If you grow your produce, this is a fantastic option for you. Jars are affordable, and you can get them in bulk for even less money. First, learn how to make jam or jelly by looking up an online recipe. Once you have learned how to make the basics, experiment with different mixtures, add your own personal touch, and develop a secret ingredient. Check out your local farmer’s market for fresh ingredients to make jam or jelly if you can’t grow your own fruits.

Most customers purchase jam and jelly sold in supermarkets, which are high in preservatives and low in nutrients. Homemade jam is generally healthier and fresher, making it more appealing to customers who may want a more nutritious option.

Some obstacles you may face include the change of seasons, which causes some of your ingredients to become unavailable. Thus, time management and proper storage are critical.

Because of the low capital investment, students can start this business from home with relative ease, making it an appealing option for those who don’t have the time to dedicate to a larger food-related endeavor.

5. Food Vlogging

Food vlogging is easier than you think. Consider filming food preparation videos, or filming your trips to local restaurants, where you describe your meal. Once you film and edit your video, upload them to YouTube or TikTok (depending on what you prefer). As you amass subscribers, you will eventually be able to make ad revenue or gain sponsorships for your video work. The first step is to build a filming set-up. You don’t need to invest in expensive lights if you’re just starting; natural light will do just fine.

Place your camera on a tripod in a location where you may demonstrate your recipes. It’s up to you whether you want to show your face or do voice-overs for videos.

Write your recipe down on paper. Film several B-Roll clips of your ingredients or spices that make your vlogs visually appealing. Make your directions simple to understand. Share some fascinating facts about your recipe or a short story.

Vlogging about food can be a wonderful way to develop an online community. You’ll acquire fundamental skills like filmmaking and editing, as well as earn money through ads. As you progress, you may have the opportunity to work with sponsors to advertise their products in your vlogs.

Conclusion

When making the best decision about how to earn money in a food-related industry, first consider your location and the nature of your ideal business. Your business’s growth is dependent on what you are passionate about and how that passion is evident in your work—no matter how brilliant your plan is. Conduct taste tests, question friends and family, join Facebook groups, and do your research, so you  have a better knowledge of your potential clients and their needs.

As a student, starting your own business as a side gig will provide you with a plethora of opportunities in your future career, as well. Learning how to launch a business, especially in the food industry, can teach you a variety of skills such as money management, operating with limited resources, meeting industry experts, and creating relationships. Good luck!

Pirbhat Haddad

Staff Writer: Pirbhat is a digital content creator and a writer. She began her small venture at the age of 16. Although she had to quit it, she ended up learning a lot about the entrepreneurial lifestyle. Her educational background in Business administration has provided her with an adequate amount of knowledge on a vast variety of subjects. She now likes to talk about developing productive habits, succeeding with people by studying people skills as well as applying marketing strategies.