Small-Batch seasoning blends for markets and online
Blend your own spice rubs and seasonings, pack them in jars or pouches and sell direct at markets and online.
- C$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
You mix dry seasonings, rubs and spice blends in small batches, pack and label them, and sell them directly to customers at farmers' markets, craft fairs and through your own online shop.
Your first three steps
- Develop three to five blends, test them with friends and neighbours, and record exact recipes and batch sizes
- Call your local public health unit and your provincial food regulator to ask what kitchen, labelling and licensing a dry seasoning business needs
- Price your jars, design bilingual-ready labels and book a few local markets to test demand
Who pays
Home cooks, barbecue fans, gift buyers and people who shop at local markets.
How it makes money
You sell jars, pouches and gift sets at a retail price well above ingredient and packaging cost. Subscription boxes and holiday gift sets can lift sales.
Skills that help
- Recipe development and tasting
- Careful measuring and food safety habits
- Selling face to face and online
- Basic branding and photography
Watch out for
- Many provinces and health units do not allow food production in a home kitchen for sale, so check whether you need an inspected or rented commercial kitchen
- Federal labelling rules (CFIA) cover ingredients, allergens, net quantity and bilingual labelling for products sold across provinces; check what applies to you
- Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, which many markets require
- Allergen control, such as mustard, sesame and celery in blends, to avoid cross-contact
- Market season is limited in many regions, so plan online or holiday sales for winter
- Check GST/HST registration once your revenue passes the small supplier threshold
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: small-batch seasoning blends for markets and online
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a seasoning blend business?
Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your equipment, packaging, insurance and kitchen access. These are estimates, so build your own budget before you buy ingredients in bulk.
How much can I earn selling seasoning blends at markets?
Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many markets you attend and your online sales. Market season is limited in many regions, so plan online or holiday sales for winter.
What rules apply to selling spice blends in Canada?
Many provinces and health units do not allow home-kitchen food production for sale, so check whether you need an inspected or rented commercial kitchen. Also check CFIA labelling rules, including allergens and bilingual labelling, and your insurance.
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