Small-batch fresh tofu maker
Make fresh tofu and soy products in small batches and sell at markets, online and to local restaurants.
- £1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- From home
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
What it is
Making fresh tofu from soya beans in small batches, plus extras like fried tofu, soy milk or marinated blocks. You sell direct to home cooks and supply a few local restaurants.
Your first three steps
- Practise recipes and test batches on friends, then get honest feedback on taste, texture and price
- Contact your local council about registering a food business and ask whether your kitchen is suitable or if you need a shared or commercial one
- Take a food hygiene course and offer samples to two or three local restaurants and a nearby farmers' market
Who pays
Home cooks, vegetarians and vegans, East and South East Asian households, and local restaurants and cafes.
How it makes money
Price per block or tub at markets and online, plus regular wholesale orders from restaurants and delis.
Skills that help
- Cooking and food preparation
- Careful hygiene and record keeping
- Selling at markets and to local businesses
Watch out for
- Food business registration with your local council, normally needed before you start trading
- Food hygiene, allergen labelling (soya is an allergen) and shelf life or chilled storage rules, check with Environmental Health
- Public liability and product liability insurance
- Home kitchen may need permission from landlord or mortgage lender, or you may need to rent a shared kitchen
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a small tofu business?
Estimates are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on equipment, kitchen arrangements and ingredients. If your home kitchen is not an option, renting a shared kitchen may change your costs.
How much can a small-batch tofu maker earn?
Monthly revenue estimates are typically around £500 to £3,500, depending on how much you make, where you sell and whether you supply restaurants. Plan for around 10 hours a week at the lower end.
What do I need to check before selling homemade tofu?
Check food business registration with your local council, normally needed before you start trading. Also check food hygiene, allergen labelling (soya is an allergen), shelf life and chilled storage rules with Environmental Health, plus insurance and landlord or mortgage lender permission.
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