14 Passive Income Ideas For Chefs [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a chef in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a chef today. These will help you increase your quality of life by bringing in more income for yourself or your business.
For each income idea, we’ll show you real-world examples, revenue expectations for each idea, plus some things you might need to know before you start your passive income journey as a chef.
Here's the full list:
1. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be a fantastic way to supplement your income as a chef. You could showcase your cooking skills, share recipes, and offer behind-the-scenes looks at your kitchen, all while earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. This platform allows you to connect with others who share your passion for food and cooking.
You might create how-to guides, vlogs about your day-to-day life, or educational content that teaches viewers about different cuisines and techniques. With a little creativity and consistency, your channel could become a reliable source of passive income. While it may take some time and effort to build an audience, the financial and personal rewards could be well worth it.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
2. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business could be a fantastic way for you to earn extra income as a chef. You could create cooking courses that teach specific skills, like baking artisanal bread, mastering knife techniques, or preparing gourmet meals on a budget. This allows you to share your expertise with a wider audience and get paid for your knowledge.
You don't need a big investment to get started—just a camera, some basic editing skills, and a platform to host your course. The e-learning market is growing rapidly, and people are willing to pay to learn new skills from experts like you. By creating and selling online courses, you could turn your passion for cooking into a steady stream of passive income.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
3. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
As a chef, starting a niche blog focused on cooking could be a fantastic way to share your culinary expertise, connect with a passionate community, and supplement your income. You could create unique and informative content such as recipes, how-to guides, cooking tips, and reviews of kitchen tools or ingredients. By doing this, you build a loyal following of readers who value your expert insights.
Once you've gained visibility, you could monetize your blog by adding affiliate links to relevant products, collaborating with kitchenware brands, and even growing a YouTube channel featuring cooking tutorials. With dedication and regular engagement, your blog could become a rewarding side hustle that not only increases your income but also enhances your professional presence in the culinary world.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
4. Make passive income with a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
As a chef, you could harness your culinary skills and unique food knowledge by starting a subscription box business. You might consider offering monthly boxes filled with gourmet ingredients, carefully curated recipes, or specialty kitchen tools that aren't easily found in stores. This could cater to food enthusiasts who are eager to experiment with new flavors and techniques in their own kitchens.
The demand for subscription boxes is high because customers enjoy the convenience and exclusive access to unique products. By understanding your niche market and focusing on quality, you could build a loyal customer base. Partnering with reliable fulfillment companies and investing in eye-catching box designs could further enhance the customer experience and increase your profit margins.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
5. Make passive income with a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
As a chef, starting a dropshipping business could be a fantastic way to supplement your income with minimal upfront costs. Since you won't need to hold inventory, you can focus on selling kitchen tools, gourmet ingredients, or even unique cookbooks that resonate with your passion and expertise.
You could set up an online store through platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, curate a selection of products from reliable suppliers on AliExpress, and use your culinary skills to create engaging content that attracts customers. Managing your expenses and keeping an eye on profit margins would be essential to ensure your business remains profitable.
Forks, knives, and all things nice – that's your kitchen range – could soon become a range of passive income possibilities through dropshipping.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
6. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As a chef, starting an affiliate marketing business could be an excellent way to supplement your income by promoting kitchen tools, cookware, and other culinary products you already use and love. By creating content like blog posts, social media updates, or even cooking videos that showcase these products, you could direct your audience to purchase them through your unique affiliate links, earning a commission on each sale.
You could partner with eCommerce stores, kitchen equipment manufacturers, or specialty food brands, sharing your expertise and trustworthy opinions to help others choose the best products for their culinary needs. This way, you could make extra money while doing what you enjoy and sharing your culinary passion with a broader audience online.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
7. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)
As a chef, starting a niche website focused on a specialized area of cooking or culinary arts could be a great way to supplement your income. You could create content around unique recipes, cooking techniques, or even reviews of kitchen gadgets that you are passionate about and knowledgeable in. This allows you to share your expertise with a dedicated audience who values your professional insights.
By investing time in creating engaging content and optimizing it for search engines, you could attract a loyal following, driving traffic to your site. This traffic can then be monetized through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or by selling your own digital products, such as eBooks or online cooking courses.
Once the website is well-established, it could become a reliable source of passive income, providing financial benefits even when you’re not actively updating it. If you have a specific interest within the culinary world and the drive to explore it deeply, a niche website might just be your next rewarding project.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
8. Make passive income with a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
As a chef, you could supplement your income by combining your culinary skills with a stock photography business. Imagine capturing stunning images of your beautifully plated dishes, kitchen setups, or seasonal ingredients, and then selling these high-quality stock photos online. Many businesses, website owners, and bloggers are constantly looking for captivating food images for their marketing and advertising needs.
To get started, you could invest in a decent camera and learn basic photography skills. With dedication, you could build an impressive portfolio and set up an online presence to showcase your work. By licensing your photos for exclusive use, you could create a stream of passive income while doing what you love.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
9. Make passive income with a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be a great way for you to earn extra income as a chef. You could share your culinary skills, kitchen tips, and recipe ideas with a broader audience who are interested in cooking and food. This kind of content is popular and enjoys a wide audience from home cooks to fellow chefs who are looking to learn new techniques.
With minimal investment in recording equipment and a hosting platform, you could start producing your episodes. By promoting your podcast on social media and through word of mouth, you could attract a dedicated listener base. Over time, this could open doors to sponsorships or advertisers, creating a steady stream of passive income.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
10. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business as a chef could be a great way to turn your culinary creativity into extra income. You could design custom aprons, chef hats, kitchen towels, and other culinary-themed merchandise that reflect your unique style and expertise. With no need for upfront inventory, you can launch your creations online and only pay for production when someone places an order.
By leveraging platforms like Etsy and Amazon, you could reach a global audience of food enthusiasts and home cooks looking for distinctive kitchen gear. This setup means you can spend more time focusing on your culinary career while your designs work for you in the background. With minimal startup costs and the ability to manage everything from home, you have the flexibility to grow your print-on-demand business at your own pace.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
11. Make passive income with a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
If you're a chef looking to supplement your income, creating a mobile app could be a smart move. You could develop an app that shares your unique recipes, cooking tips, and kitchen hacks with a larger audience. A well-designed app can offer weekly meal plans, grocery lists, and even video tutorials for those interested in improving their cooking skills.
To get started, you'll need a clear idea for your app, some basic coding knowledge, or the ability to hire a developer. Planning a user-friendly experience and designing an engaging interface will be crucial. Once launched, effective marketing will help attract users, turning your culinary expertise into a stream of passive income.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
12. Make passive income with a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
As a chef, creating a health and wellness app could allow you to share your expertise in nutrition and meal planning with a wider audience. You could design personalized meal plans, suggest nutritious recipes, and offer cooking tips that help users meet their health goals. This app could also include reminders to stay hydrated and guide users through simple, effective fitness routines.
Imagine your app helping people achieve better health, one meal at a time, with you as their virtual coach. This venture would not only enable you to supplement your income but also allow you to leave a positive impact on users' lives by promoting a balanced lifestyle. By collaborating with health experts and utilizing your culinary skills, you could create a unique, valuable resource in the growing wellness industry.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
13. Make passive income with an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an eCommerce reselling business could be a great way for you as a chef to supplement your income and make extra money. You could purchase cooking-related products, like specialty utensils, gourmet ingredients, or unique kitchen gadgets, and resell them online. Since you understand the needs and preferences of other chefs and cooking enthusiasts, you could curate a collection that appeals to your peers.
With this type of business, you won’t need to worry about high production costs, as you will be buying and reselling existing goods. You could initially start your business on social media platforms, allowing you to engage directly with your audience without the need for an immediate investment in a website. As your business grows, you could consider expanding to a dedicated eCommerce site.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
14. Make passive income with an online survey tool ($304K/month)
If you're a chef with an entrepreneurial spirit, developing an online survey tool could be a practical way to earn passive income. By creating a platform where businesses can gather customer feedback, you could help companies make better decisions on services and products. The demand for data collection is high, making it a potentially lucrative venture.
For instance, Typeform, a popular online survey tool, has seen significant growth, with annual recurring revenue surpassing $70 million in 2021. You could build a similar platform, offering features like a survey builder, data collection, and reporting systems. This opportunity allows you to leverage the growing popularity of online surveys and create a steady stream of passive income.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
