10+ Best & Profitable Snack Business Ideas [2023]

Looking to start a snack business in 2023? We've rounded up the top 10+ best and most profitable snack business ideas to get you started. Jump in and find out what snack business is right for you!
Nick

By Nick Cotter
Updated Feb 07, 2024

Image of snack business ideas
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Hey there, future entrepreneur! Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about starting your own business? Maybe while munching on your favorite snack, you've thought, "Hey, I could make a business out of this!" Well, you're not alone. The snack business is booming, and there's never been a better time to jump in. In fact, the global snack market is expected to reach a whopping $630 billion by 2023. That's a lot of chips, cookies, and popcorn!

But where do you start? What kind of snack business should you venture into? Fear not, we've got you covered. In this article, we're going to explore 10+ of the best and most profitable snack business ideas for 2023. From healthier options to indulgent treats, there's a snack business idea for everyone. So, put on your entrepreneurial hat, grab your favorite snack, and let's dive in!

Popcorn Shop

A Popcorn shop is a business concept where the main focus is to sell popcorn in a variety of flavors. It can be set up as a retail location, food truck, or kiosk. This type of shop could be very successful due to its potential for product innovation and high demand:

  • Popcorn shops can offer a wide selection of flavors, such as traditional flavors like caramel and cheddar, along with unique and exotic flavors like maple, salted caramel, and even bacon.
  • Popcorn is easy to transport and store, making it an ideal product for customers who want a snack on the go.
  • Popcorn is a popular snack item that appeals to people of all ages.
  • The startup costs for owning a popcorn shop are relatively low compared to other business ideas.
image of a Popcorn Shop

Candy Store

A candy store is a great business idea for those who have a sweet tooth. It offers consumers a vast selection of sweets to choose from, giving them the opportunity to indulge in their favourite treats. Here are some pros and cons of opening a candy store:

  • Pros:
  • A candy store is relatively easy to open and low cost.
  • It can be very profitable if you offer unique selections.
  • It often attracts people of all ages as many people love candy.
  • Cons:
  • Competition can be fierce in some areas.
  • You must keep up with trends and new products.
  • Candy can be perishable and require special storage conditions.
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Examples of successful businesses:

The snack business industry is a competitive market, with many established brands and up-and-coming companies competing for consumer attention. Here are some of the most successful companies in this industry:

  • Frito-Lay
  • Kellogg's
  • General Mills
  • Hershey's
  • Mars, Inc.
  • Nabisco
  • Tootsie Roll Industries
  • PepsiCo
  • Kraft Foods Group
  • Hostess Brands, Inc.

Donut Shop

A Donut shop is a business that sells donuts and related items such as hot drinks, coffee, and other snacks. It can be a great business idea for someone looking to get into the food service industry as it does not require a high cost of entry, has low overhead costs, and is relatively low-risk. Here are some additional reasons why a Donut shop can be a great business:

  • Low cost of entry – opening a Donut shop does not typically require large start-up costs.
  • Flexible hours – depending on the type of shop you have, you can choose to open early or late, seven days a week.
  • No specialized experience needed – while it may be helpful to know something about baking and running a kitchen, it is not necessary to open a successful Donut shop.
  • Wide variety of products – with the right marketing strategy and creativity, you can offer your customers an endless variety of flavors and styles of donuts.

Fruit And Vegetable Stand

A fruit and vegetable stand is a business model that involves selling produce directly to customers. It is a great business idea as it allows you to capitalize on the growing trend of buying locally grown, organic fruits and vegetables. This type of stand provides a convenient way for consumers to buy fresh produce, which will ultimately set your store apart from the competition. Here are a few reasons why a fruit and vegetable stand could be a successful business opportunity:

  • Stands offer convenient purchasing options for busy customers
  • Local farms provide access to high-quality, fresh fruits and vegetables
  • You can create relationships with local farms, giving you reliable sources of produce
  • It allows you to provide customers with seasonal fruits and vegetables
  • You can offer unique products that are not easily found in other stores
  • It is an affordable business model that has low overhead costs

Smoothie Stand

A Smoothie stand is a business venture in which customers can purchase a range of blended, cold drinks. It can make a great business idea for those looking to capitalize on the growing trend of health-focused beverages and those wanting to work in the food industry. Here are some reasons why it's a great business idea:

  • Smoothies are convenient and refreshing, making them an appealing option to customers
  • Smoothies are relatively healthy, as they can be made with fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Smoothie stands often require minimal overhead costs for equipment and supplies
  • They offer an opportunity to get creative with ingredients and mix-ins, giving your stand the potential to stand out from the competition

Ice Cream Parlor

An ice cream parlor is a great business idea for those looking to capitalize on people's love of sweet treats. An ice cream parlor offers customers a wide variety of options, from traditional flavors to unique creations and beyond. Some of the benefits of opening an ice cream parlor include:

  • Potential for a high profit margin
  • High customer demand with little competition
  • Wide range of potential flavors and toppings to offer customers
  • Low overhead costs relative to other types of businesses
  • Opportunity to offer additional services such as catering or online ordering

Pretzel Shop

A Pretzel shop is a business that specializes in selling various types of pretzels, either pre-baked or freshly baked. It is a great business idea because:

  • Pretzels are an inexpensive and popular snack.
  • Pretzels come in a wide variety of shapes, flavors and sizes.
  • Apart from selling the pretzels, there are also many other related items that could be sold such as dips, sauces and toppings.
  • Pretzel shops can be low overhead and can be opened in just about any location.
  • The pretzel shop has the potential to be profitable from day one.

Bagel Store

A Bagel store would make a great business idea, because it offers so many possibilities for delicious, freshly-baked bagels and toppings. As such, a Bagel store would be the perfect spot for customers to buy a quick and delicious breakfast, brunch or lunch. The following points could be made:

  • Bagel stores offer freshly-baked bagels in flavors like plain, whole wheat, onion, garlic and more.
  • Bagels can be topped with cream cheese, peanut butter and jelly, other spreads like hummus or avocado, veggies or meats.
  • A Bagel store could also provide coffee and other drinks to accompany the fresh bagels.
  • It would offer customers a convenient spot to satisfy their cravings for a tasty breakfast or lunch.

Frozen Yogurt Spot

A Frozen yogurt spot is a business that specializes in selling frozen yogurt or related products. There are many benefits to setting up a frozen yogurt store that make it a great business idea. Some of these advantages include:

  • Lower start-up costs than other food businesses
  • Ease of operation
  • High demand for frozen yogurt products
  • Potential to build a loyal customer base
  • Opportunity to innovate with unique flavors and toppings
  • Functional in all seasons

Specialty Popcorn Shop

A Specialty popcorn shop is a business that specializes in preparing and selling gourmet popcorn. Customers can buy popcorn in a range of flavors that are made with natural ingredients, such as cheese, caramel, and chocolate. Specialty popcorn shops offer unique tastes and textures that customers cannot find in regular stores or supermarkets. This makes it an attractive business idea.

  • The specialty popcorn shop creates a unique experience for customers.
  • The shop can offer high quality, artisanal products.
  • It provides an appealing alternative to movie theatre popcorn.
  • It has the potential to generate repeat business as customers come back for more.
  • It's easy to market with creative branding and flavor choices.

Nick

Founder and CEO

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.