24 Frozen Food Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]

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Updated: July 12th, 2024

Are you looking for the most profitable frozen food business ideas?

The demand for frozen foods has shown an upward trajectory and experts estimate the trend will continue over the next years.

Whether you are looking for a side hustle or you want to switch to self-employment, a frozen goods business might be able to set that in motion.

To help you establish a successful frozen products business, we searched the internet and interviewed successful entrepreneurs within the niche to find out their secrets to success.

In this post, we present the most profitable frozen food business ideas, together with real-world examples and advice from successful frozen product business owners.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a seafood sales business

Starting a frozen food business specializing in seafood is a fantastic business venture.

The global demand for aquatic foods will double in the next few years.

Finfish, pelagic fish, cods, salmonids, crabs, shrimp, krill, prawns, and lobster are among the highly in-demand sea foods.

To start your frozen fish products business, conduct market research to understand the current industry trends. Focus on how each vendor performs and find out the highly in-demand products.

Then, decide to source your frozen seafood from suppliers, or you will do the food processing. Analyze the costs of both options to determine the most optimal. Finally, apply for the food handling permits and licenses, and begin marketing your frozen goods business.

How much you can make: $300,000/month

Cameron's Seafood: $175K Per Month Selling Maryland Crabs

Cameron's Seafood, the largest Maryland seafood company in the world, has leveraged an existing family-owned seafood business to ship Maryland Crabs and crab cakes to customers in all 50 states, making over $200,000 in July 2018 with an expected $2.4 million in first-year revenue without venture capital.

Read this case study

Read by 12,329 founders

2. Open an ice cream parlour

Ice cream is something that people of all ages equally enjoy globally, making it a profitable business to venture into.

This frozen dessert industry has registered massive growth in recent years, a trend that shows the industry’s potential.

If you are looking to start your ice cream business, follow these steps:

Decide whether to make your ice cream or to source from established ice cream brands
Write an effective business plan for the ice cream shop detailing the goals, strategies, and plans
Fund your business idea
Choose a spacious shop in an area with plenty of foot traffic
Offer different ice cream flavors

Opening an ice cream parlor is not easy work. However, if you do it right, it is rewarding and can be a lot of fun.

How much you can make: $16,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)

On Starting A $16K/Month Handmade Natural Ice Cream Business

The Good Scoop, a California-based artisanal ice cream shop, started with a small Italian countertop ice cream maker and now has a production facility, wholesaling to various venues, offering frequent scooper programs, and using Instagram as their primary advertising platform.

Read this case study

Read by 16,159 founders

3. Start a smoothie business

Smoothie is a blend of whole fruits containing bananas, yogurt, honey, ice cream, and other ingredients.

Smoothie businesses attract health-conscious consumers, and their mass appeal has grown tremendously.

In the US alone, smoothie bars are a 3-billion-dollar industry. Therefore, starting your smoothie business can be a great idea from an entrepreneur’s standpoint. To start your smoothie bar, consider an ideal location, and ensure a proper shop format. The alternative smoothie shop formats include:

Dine in Plenty of seating space: customers order and pay at the counter.
Window only: Serves takeaway smoothies with customers ordering and paying at the counter
Food truck: Mobile smoothie shop allowing you to connect with a more extensive customer

The rising popularity of healthy juices and the low startup cost makes the smoothie industry an appealing frozen food business idea.

How much you can make: $30,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How One Woman Went From WIC To CEO Of Her Own Smoothie Empire

Simple Green Smoothies boasts a free 7-day smoothie challenge that has helped over 2 million people take control of their health and generates revenue with programs ranging from a 21-day cleanse to a plant-based meal planner, bringing in as much as $30k a month and also working to help women farmers in Cambodia build mushroom farms through World Hope International.

Read this case study

Read by 11,434 founders

4. Start a fresh farm produce business

The fresh farm produces business is a fast-growing one. Starting a fresh farm produce business can be an exciting and profitable adventure if you are prepared. Everyone loves fresh food. Healthy foods are never out of fashion.

Listed are the steps to start a fresh farm produce business.

Plan your business
Secure permits and licenses needed
Get financed
Hire staffs
Find a client and promote your business

How much you can make: $85,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Started An $85K/Month Hot Sauce Brand

Small Axe Peppers is a thriving hot sauce manufacturing business that partners with over 200 community gardens in the United States, growing locally sourced produce and producing an impressive 70,000 bottles of hot sauce per year; the success is the result of a genuine mission, a great story, an online business, and active social media channels.

Read this case study

Read by 6,593 founders

5. Make a frozen yogurt dog treats

Approximately 68 to 70% of Americans own dogs. In addition, the dog food and snacks market is estimated to reach over 96 billion in the coming years.

Frozen yogurt dog treats are a profitable business idea if you can find the right clients. You can sell the dog treats as a home-based business, online on sites like Etsy and amazon, or create your own eCommerce business.

If you are starting a frozen yogurt dog treats business, ensure you find quality ingredients that promote dog health. In addition, ensure enough supplies, and market the products appropriately.

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

6. Start a vegan ice cream business

Starting a vegan ice cream business is a great way to tap into the growing demand for plant-based options. To do this, you will need to source ingredients such as coconut, almond, and soy milk as base ingredients and various flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.

You will also need to invest in equipment such as an ice cream maker, freezers, and containers for storing and serving the ice cream. In addition, you will need to consider marketing and branding efforts and finding a suitable location to sell your vegan ice cream.

To run a successful business, it is essential to focus on creating high-quality, delicious products that appeal to a wide range of customers and to have a solid online presence and engage with customers through social media and other marketing efforts.

Overall, starting a vegan ice cream business is a rewarding and exciting venture that allows you to positively impact the environment and contribute to the growing demand for plant-based options.

7. Start a frozen sushi business

Looking to make a splash in the food industry? Consider starting a frozen sushi business. The concept is simple: high-quality sushi, flash-frozen for freshness and convenience. Ideal for busy consumers seeking quick, nutritious meals without sacrificing taste or quality.

Launching this business involves more than just sourcing top-notch ingredients. You'll need to master the art of freezing sushi so it retains its flavor and texture. Partnering with local seafood suppliers and hiring skilled sushi chefs is crucial. Additionally, you'll need to invest in proper freezing technology and establish a reliable distribution network.

Frozen sushi fits seamlessly into today's fast-paced lifestyle, offering a unique twist to traditional sushi lovers. With careful planning and execution, this venture holds promising potential in the evolving food market, catering to both retail and online consumers.

How much you can make: $1,800,000/month

How I Started A $20M/Year Sushi And Japanese Cuisine Restaurant Group

This case study is about the founder of a 9-location sushi restaurant group, generating annual sales of $20 million, who started his business by focusing on building superfans through superior customer service and expertly prepared cuisine.

Read this case study

Read by 6,691 founders

8. Start a salad bar business

There is nothing better than a delicious healthy salad served first. If you love trying different creative salads, starting your salad bar can be a significant business venture. According to statistics, healthy fast food is a booming industry. With more people choosing a healthy eating lifestyle, the demand for healthy salads has increased tremendously.

Therefore, you may want to start your salad bar focusing on the health-conscious population. To start, find a reliable supply of fresh salads and ensure a strategic location for your business. then, advertise your business widely so you can reach as many customers as possible.

9. Start a vegetable farm

Do you have some idle land and are willing to start a vegetable business?

Mushrooms, micro greens, ginseng, lavender, and bonsai plants are some profitable vegetables you can grow and sell.

How much you can make: $85,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Started An $85K/Month Hot Sauce Brand

Read this case study

Read by 6,593 founders

10. Start a soup business

Craving a business idea that nourishes both the body and the soul? Consider starting a soup business. This venture revolves around preparing and selling various flavors of soup, a comforting and adaptable dish loved by many.

Imagine turning humble ingredients into soul-warming bowls of nourishment, catering to families, busy professionals, and health-conscious individuals. A soup business can be run from a commercial kitchen, your own home, or even a food truck, offering flexibility in operations.

This idea is particularly appealing due to its scalability; you can start small with local deliveries and grow into larger markets or even open a storefront. If you have a flair for cooking and love the idea of providing comfort food, a soup business is an enticing opportunity to explore.

How much you can make: $17,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $17K/Month Food Blog And Recipe Development Business

How co-founders of Crowded Kitchen, a plant-based recipe website and creative content business, grew their social media following to nearly 200k and became a leader in the plant-based recipe space, while also offering photography and recipe development services to major food and beverage brands.

Read this case study

Read by 7,253 founders

11. Start a snack food kiosk

A snack kiosk is a small to medium-sized booth for holding, preparing, and selling confectionery, quick-service food, and beverages. If you plan to start a snack food kiosk, identify a strategic location with high traffic.

Selling high-quality snack foods will help you attract more customers and retain them.

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

12. Start a packaging box making business

Considering a sustainable and practical business idea that's rooted in everyday needs? Think about starting a packaging box making business. Packaging boxes are essential for countless industries, from ecommerce to food delivery, which keeps demand steady year-round.

In simple terms, you’ll manufacture boxes of various sizes and materials to cater to your clients' specific needs. The beauty of this business lies in its versatility — you can offer custom designs, eco-friendly materials, and even bulk solutions. Opening a packaging box business requires some initial investment in machinery and raw materials, and you'll need to navigate logistics and supplier relationships.

As more companies strive for unique branding and eco-conscious packaging solutions, venturing into this field could position you uniquely in the market. It’s a hands-on business where hard work can directly translate into tangible outcomes, making it fulfilling and rewarding.

How much you can make: $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How A Marketer Started A $500K/Month Custom Packaging Business

OXO Packaging is a successful custom packaging manufacturer generating an impressive $500,000 per month in revenue with around 40-50 orders per month, and aims to become the top packaging manufacturer in the USA and Australia.

Read this case study

Read by 3,143 founders

13. Start a frozen salad bar

14. Start a fruit butters and cheese business

Fruit butter and cheese is a unique and growing business opportunity for entrepreneurs. The process involves taking fresh fruit and pureeing it into a spreadable consistency, similar to jams or jellies. However, fruit butter is typically made with less sugar and is cooked for a longer period of time, giving it a deeper and more concentrated flavor.

Cheese is also a popular product in the fruit butter and cheese business. This can include soft and creamy cheeses made with fruit purees and harder and more aged options. The key to success in this business is sourcing high-quality ingredients and experimenting with different flavor combinations to stand out in the market.

To run a successful fruit butter and cheese business, it is important to focus on the following tips:

Research the market: Understanding your target audience and competitors is crucial for success. Research local farmers’ markets and specialty food stores to get a feel for what products are already available and what gaps in the market you can fill.

Source top-quality ingredients: The quality of your fruit and cheese will directly affect the quality of your products. Invest in fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Experiment with flavor combinations: Don’t be afraid to try new and unique flavor combinations. Consider using unusual fruits or pairing fruit with complementary flavors like herbs or spices.

Invest in proper packaging: Attractive packaging is important for attracting customers and protecting your products. Invest in high-quality containers and labels to stand out on store shelves.

Build a strong brand: Building a strong brand is essential for success in any business. This includes creating a cohesive brand image, developing a strong social media presence and consistently delivering top-quality products to customers.

Following these tips, entrepreneurs can successfully launch and grow a fruit butter and cheese business. This business can be a profitable and fulfilling venture with a focus on quality ingredients, innovative flavor combinations, and strong branding.

15. Start a snail farming business

Snail farming is one of the easiest, less involved, and most profitable agriculture-related businesses you can start today. With the current growth in the popularity of healthy eating, marketing snail products is easier.

More people are switching to snails as a source of essential nutrients, a trend that has created a bigger opportunity for snail farmers worldwide.

Therefore, starting a snail farm today can be a lucrative business opportunity. Unlike livestock production and subsistence farming, you do not need a huge piece of land to farm snails.

Depending upon the type of snail farming system you intend to use, some materials you will need will include free-range pens, mosquito nets, hatch boxes, trench pens, and moveable pens.

16. Start a fruit snacks business

17. Start a sliced onions business

18. Start a drive-thru dairy business

19. Start a mobile frozen food store business

20. Start a pizza store

The global pizza market share is expected to reach $5138 Billion, and the market growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 6.11%. One of the key factors driving growth in the pizza markets is the availability of innovative and exotic flavored pizzas, which drives are more prominent among the millennials.

Moreover, the growing desire for convenience foods and customization of food products will facilitate the pizza market growth. Therefore, starting a pizza store in 2024 can be a profitable business venture. To start, find an attractive location where your business will be visible to customers.

21. Start a pet food and supplies supermarket business

22. Start a frozen food equipment business

23. Start a frozen foods business

Ever thought about transforming how people eat with a frozen foods business? In simple terms, this business idea revolves around preparing, packaging, and selling frozen meals and food items that offer convenience to busy individuals and families.

Unlike traditional food businesses, a frozen foods enterprise allows you to create long-lasting, easy-to-store products, catering to the increasing demand for quick and nutritious meal solutions. You’d handle everything from sourcing ingredients to ensuring your recipes are flash-frozen to preserve taste and nutrition.

Starting a frozen foods business involves not just culinary skills but also meticulous attention to food safety regulations, effective branding, and strategic marketing. If you're passionate about food and innovation, this venture gives you the chance to make a tangible impact on people’s daily lives by providing them with quality, ready-to-heat meals. Exciting, isn't it?

24. Start a Poultry Farming Business

Poultry farming is a business that involves raising chickens and other birds to sell eggs. It is a very simple and easy business to start. You can even do it in your backyard.

Poultry farming is one of the world’s most lucrative businesses, especially selling eggs and meat. Anyone can start this business. You only need to invest in a place to keep the poultry, which you can rent or buy.

A farmer who raises poultry will have a steady income from his business. About 60% of chicken farmers earned household incomes that exceeded the U.S.-wide median, with the top 20% making an average of $142,000 per year.

meet the author

Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.

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