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This is a collaborative post.
If you’re the person everyone turns to when there’s a birthday cake to bake or a school bake sale coming up, you may have wondered if you can make money from your baking talents. After all, it sounds pretty good to be paid to do something you love!
I mean…. I absolutely love baking and I am too fairly good at it so I often wondered if I should start a baking business. Obviously, it has to be an eco business, just like my previous one, which was a zero-waste shop. So, like I said, I keep wondering too, so far I collected my ideas of HOW would be the best to approach setting up a new, eco-friendly baking business (since I have experience setting up a new business).
So what if you want to be kinder to the planet as well? The good news is, you can be environmentally conscious and start a baking business at the same time. And you don’t need to be in a fully zero-waste kitchen or on a massive budget either. It’s about making the right decisions early on and doing something to improve things along the way.
Use What You Have
It’s tempting to buy every shiny new gadget when you’re starting a business, but do you really need another mixer or a cupboard full of baking tins? Look at what you already own. Use what works for you. You can always scale up as your business grows. The same applies to your workwear. Find practical, durable alternatives rather than constantly replacing cheap stuff. For example, if you buy everyday aprons that hold up well, you won’t have to replace them quite as often. Now is a great time to start by buying less and buying long-lasting items.
Think About The Origins of Your Ingredients
One of the best things about running a small baking business is that you have a lot more control over your ingredients. Can you get flour from a local mill? Perhaps there is a local farm that sells seasonal fruit or a supplier that offers ingredients with less packaging. You don’t need to source everything locally, especially not at the beginning. But options such as buying seasonal produce, reducing unnecessary packaging and looking for ingredients that have been responsibly produced can help. It is also worth trying out some plant-based recipes. Offering vegan cakes, biscuits and brownies means more choice for customers, and they can be delicious.
Don’t Waste Good Ingredients
If you’re a regular baker, you know how fast those leftovers can add up. A few overripe bananas here, some leftover buttercream there, and your fridge is suddenly full of odds and ends. Before you throw something away, ask yourself: can this be something else? Cake trimmings can be made into cake pops or dessert pots, and overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread. Careful planning of your orders helps, too. Baking to order rather than making big batches, which may not sell, saves on ingredients, money and time.
Don’t Over Package
Pretty packaging is nice, but customers don’t need to have layers of plastic, ribbons, and other frills. Recyclable cardboard boxes, paper bags and small amounts of packaging can be just as effective. You could also encourage local customers to bring in reusable containers for suitable products, where this can be done safely and hygienically. And remember, presentation doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes a simple box with a handwritten thank you note just feels so much more personal.
Sort Out the Practical Business Stuff
Of course, delicious cakes are only part of the equation for selling them. You will need to register your food business with your local authority, be aware of the food hygiene requirements, and ensure you are giving accurate allergen information. It is also worth figuring your costs out properly. Sustainable ingredients and packaging are more expensive, so you need to price your products accordingly. Don’t feel bad about charging enough to make your business worthwhile.
Build a Business That Embodies Your Values
You don’t have to get it all right, all at once. Maybe you start with reducing food waste, then gradually move to better packaging or more sustainable suppliers. Environmentally conscious customers will appreciate real efforts, especially if you are transparent about what you’re doing.
Your love for baking can be a great business opportunity. Just start small, make smart decisions, and give yourself space to grow.